Ophtho research: 1 PI or multiple?

[Merlin0082]

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Hey guys,

I'm a third year, looking to get started on ophtho research.

Is it better to just stick to one PI for the entirety of the time until I match? Or should I try to get papers from 2 different PIs.

I have spoken to 2 PIs (one at my school, one private) who mentioned to me that they have research going on. So I can't tell if I should just pick one and stick with them the whole time, or split some time with each. Any help would be great.

Thanks.

 

[Merlin0082]

And also, when it comes to letters of rec, I've heard that you need at least 3 (2 ophtho, 1 other). But is it kind of a "more the merrier" thing, where if you have more ophtho letters its better? Or after this number is it a waste?

 

[MR1]

2 PI's and doing 2 projects is fine IF you have time for it. Otherwise 2 poor efforts won't help you like one great one.

 

[Dusn]

I've found that the letter says more about how nice the person writing it is (or how much they, for some random reason, feel like they connect with the applicant) than it actually says about how good the applicant is. In that respect it's better to have two options so that you can decide which one will write you the better letter (or you get a letter from both). Obviously doing a crappy job at both research projects because you're splitting your time would be the potential downside to this.

 

[MstaKing10]

more research is better, but they need to lead to publications or presentations (pub is better). If not, you are wasting time to some degree. Thus, make sure you get involved with a project that has a good chance of leading to a pub or presentation.

You can only submit 3 letters total through the application system, though I have heard of some sending a 4th letter directly to programs in the past. Not sure if this is allowed or frowned upon but I know it's been done.