Premed Research

[fzwarrior]

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I have been reading a lot of posts regarding the importance of research while in premed. However, i do have some questions. First, in order to obtain a research position does one simply ask a professor that might be involved in research? Second, is the student expected to participate in a way that would require prior knowledge to the task at hand, or just help out with note taking and cleaning duties? Third, is it completely necessary for all types of med schools or those that are more research oriented?
-Thanks

 

[NickNaylor]

There are two main ways to go about a research experience: 1) during the academic year, and 2) summer programs. If you want to do research during the year, then you've got the idea right. Perhaps talk with professors you've taken about their research since they might be doing something related to the course you're taking (and, thus, would at least have a basic knowledge base for the work).

As far as what you'll be doing, your experience can vary widely. More than likely you'll start off fairly basic - cleaning glassware and perhaps doing some very basic procedures. If you're successful and stick with it, you'll probably get more and more responsibility and may eventually be given your own project. This is highly variable, though, as it depends on the PI.

It's a little late to apply for this summer, but you may want to look at summer programs if you want to have an intense research experience. Here's a pretty extensive list of available summer programs: http://www.aamc.org/members/great/summerlinks.htm

 

[Cancer p53]

It is not absolutely necessary for everyone however, the impression I've gotten from everything I've read on SDN is that it is pretty much a pre-requisite for top tier schools. If you're worried about ECs focus on shadowing and volunteering first, then research.

Getting a research position is easy if your school is a research institution. Just look on your schools website to find out what professors are doing and ask one of them if you are interested. They will expect you to have at least some knowledge of the field. For example, do not expect to enter a cell bio/molecular bio lab without having taken and done well in cell biology. As far as your involvement, you will start off tagging along with grad students, they'll teach you some stuff, if you do well you'll gain more independence. Chances are you'll be washing at least some glassware or stuffing pipette tip boxes. It's just part of being in a lab, everyone starts there. You should expect to be doing more than that eventually though. If you aren't really doing much, then it's worthless as far as med school is concerned because you will need to be able to talk about what you did. Washing dishes and taking notes won't get you far.

If you aren't at a research institution, talk to a professor you know well and see what they have to say. Usually they will recommend something to you, maybe they even have research going on. Sometimes at small institutions like the one I come from, they will even come up with a project for you if they aren't actively doing something.

Good Luck!

 

[mwall003]

It is my understanding that although not required, research experience is something that the ADCOMs are really impressed by and somewhat expect these days. Honestly, they just want to see you involved in something whether it be varsity athletics, student government, research, etc. It depends what university you go to and how they allocate their research lab openings. Some universities give their research positions to graduate students some have a heavier emphasis on undergraduate research like the university I am attending. I am doing medically relevant research and I started off with a two credit class introducing me to the research, relevant literature, and research techniques. Then over the summer I spent time helping the professor run tests relevant to the current project and received a stipend. Then the last two years I get to conduct my own research under his supervision (related to his research) for academic credit and a stipend for the purpose of producing an honors thesis.

Just go onto your department's website whether it be chemistry, physics, or biology and look at the faculty's research interests and current projects. See if your institution has an honors program that facilitates your own research through a thesis. It is a great opportunity you get to learn a lot and benefit from it greatly not only in the admissions perspective, but you also gain better reasoning and presentation skills. Best of luck!

 

[s1lver]

Mass email ppl in your department. Talk to your adviser. Mass email the nearest teaching hospital. From what I've read here on SDN, one or two summers of research is fine. If you have a chance to get published, stick with it for a while. If not, get out ASAP and focus on shadowing/volunteering/other ECs.