Number of research experiences/presentations etc. to be competitive for internship and residency?

[riderrapidash]

Hello everyone, I had a quick question about research experience needed to be competitive for residency. I watch a lot of videos by Med School Insiders on youtube as I've found there to be some overlap with vet med and while watching a video on the human residency equivalents of what I'd want to specialize in (neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery, although it's just neurology and neurosurgery and then large/small animal surgery for vet med) I saw the average matched resident had around 16-18 research experiences (like projects, presentations and publications).

Is it similar with veterinary specialties? So far, I've worked on 3 projects (1 I assisted on, the most recent 2 have been primarily my own), have done 4 presentations (3 oral, 1 poster), and have received 2 grants and 1 award for presenting. Do these all count? I plan to (hopefully) publish at least once at some point during vet school if I can.

I start vet school at CSU this fall and plan to continue research more centered around what I'd like to specialize in there, but wanted to see if I was getting enough at this stage of undergrad. Any insight would be seriously appreciated!!!

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[JaynaAli]

Vet med is much different than human med. It’s very possible to match without research experience at all, though it can be nice to see and help you stand out, especially if that’s your ultimate career goal. But experience in the field, great letters of recommendation from boarded specialists, and keeping your grades up are going to be much more important. I didn’t have any real research experience and I easily matched for a rotating internship, got a path residency outside of the match (bc path doesn’t do match for residencies), and I’ve been boarded for nearly four years now.

 

[riderrapidash]

Vet med is much different than human med. It’s very possible to match without research experience at all, though it can be nice to see and help you stand out, especially if that’s your ultimate career goal. But experience in the field, great letters of recommendation from boarded specialists, and keeping your grades up are going to be much more important. I didn’t have any real research experience and I easily matched for a rotating internship, got a path residency outside of the match (bc path doesn’t do match for residencies), and I’ve been boarded for nearly four years now.

Wow congratulations!! Thank you so much for your input. I've been told that letters of rec matter a TON and so finding faculty mentors willing to vouch for me is one of my main goals too. I'll also do my best to keep my grades good and I plan on trying to get a position in the teaching hospital related to surgery.

 

[EngrSC]

Are you thinking an internship in academia? If yes, you can probably ignore what I say because I don't know a ton about it.

I'm currently working on internship applications, but in private practice. Many don't use the match anymore, though I'm sure there are exceptions. I also know several medicine and surgery residents that did internships in private practice and matched into academic residencies. Just wanted to say that I don't think there's a sure-fire way to getting a residency. But echo what Jayna said, do well academically and establish relationships that will get you strong letters of recommendation when you're ready to apply.

And relax, try to enjoy vet school too

 

[TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo]

At time of internship applications I had lab experience from working in a lab and a couple poster presentations, no publications. For residency applications I was in the same spot except I was in the middle of prepping a retrospective for submission.

I applied mostly academia for both and had plenty of interest, although I did end up in private practice for residency.

Long story short: it won't hurt, will only help, but it's not the end of the world. If you are wanting one of the more competitive specialities like surgery it would probably be more important.

 

[riderrapidash]

At time of internship applications I had lab experience from working in a lab and a couple poster presentations, no publications. For residency applications I was in the same spot except I was in the middle of prepping a retrospective for submission.

I applied mostly academia for both and had plenty of interest, although I did end up in private practice for residency.

Long story short: it won't hurt, will only help, but it's not the end of the world. If you are wanting one of the more competitive specialities like surgery it would probably be more important.

Oh okay, thank you that helps a lot!!! I am primarily interested in either large animal surgery or neurology and neurosurgery, but I'm also interested in opthalomology, cardiology, and the urology/nephrology one as well. I want to specialize in something with a lot of procedures but also have a good chance of matching.

 

[EB73674]

Are you thinking an internship in academia? If yes, you can probably ignore what I say because I don't know a ton about it.

I'm currently working on internship applications, but in private practice. Many don't use the match anymore, though I'm sure there are exceptions. I also know several medicine and surgery residents that did internships in private practice and matched into academic residencies. Just wanted to say that I don't think there's a sure-fire way to getting a residency. But echo what Jayna said, do well academically and establish relationships that will get you strong letters of recommendation when you're ready to apply.

And relax, try to enjoy vet school too

Um excuse me HOW ARE YOU ALREADY BASICALLY A 4TH YEAR!?! Where does the time go??

 

[EngrSC]

Um excuse me HOW ARE YOU ALREADY BASICALLY A 4TH YEAR!?! Where does the time go??

I KNOW! 1 final left and 3rd year is DONE. Pretty sure vet school is a time warp!