opportunities for research abroad??

[bottomlesspit]

i remain undecided about gen surg, but regardless, i am planning to take a year off inbetween years 3-4 of medical school to strengthen my application towards whatever specialty i decide. right now, gen surgery is probably 49.5% and med/peds is 50.5%. i am almost pathologically indecisive ... sigh ...

i've been told i should do research work if i want to go into general surgery. coming from a pure liberal arts background, i'm definitely lacking in that area and would choose clinical over basic science/bench work any day. so during my year off, i would like to do research work, but would also like to travel (last big trip before residency -- woo wooo!).

sooo ... does anyone know of any international institutions (preferably in africa, s. or s.e. asia, or maybe s. america) where i could do research work in a surgical field there that would still be respected here in the states?

many thanks

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Pilot Doc]

almost pathologically indecisive ... sigh ...

That's a good indication right there that surgery might not be the place for you.

But to answer your question - I don't know of any way you can conduct research to improve your GS application in an exotic vacation locale. The value of research is to find a mentor who will call his old drinking buddy who is the chairman at X and say "Bob's a good guy; you should hire him" and Dr. Chairman will say "OK". Those people don't exist in Bhutan or Jamaica.

 

[geekgirl]

look into project hope. or doctors without borders. other such organizations that are set up to do what you want to do.

and if this is not offered, ask attendings/mentors whose lives you respect at your (or neighboring) institutution(s). they often will have much to offer.