Question about Publications?

[RatherBeGolfing]

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I graduated undergrad in 2005 from University of Michigan and have since been working in a mouse lab there focusing primarily in neuro-oncology and mainly glioblastoma/medulloblastoma. After a couple years of being waitlisted at US schools I'll be starting the IMG path in May. I love neurology and will be looking to match into this field.

I have a co-author paper published in Cancer Cell on glioblastoma and with the work I have completed before I leave I will hopefully have a second paper which I will be co-first author that will most likely land in a journal with an impact factor lower than Cancer Cell (gonna be aiming for Cancer Research I think).

Will these publications carry as much weight when trying to gain residency interviews as say someone who has done research during their clinical years or during their MD studies?

Thanks 👍

 

[PhakeDoc]

From my experience, they looked more at the fact you had publications rather than which exact date (and where it corresponded to med school) it came out. So I think you will be placing yourself quite nicely, especially if the pub date of the 2nd happens to coincide with your time in med school. Just an FYI as going to an outside US med school - try to still get involved in research while there, but first and foremost, kick ass in your grades and do the absolute best that you can on Steps 1 and 2, perhaps even take Step 3 (but that's getting the cart before the horse).

 

[typhoonegator]

Sure, they carry some weight. But once you get into medical school, what's stopping you from doing even more research? Don't rest on your laurels!

Impact factor doesn't play a huge role in residency applications -- you aren't trying to get tenure here. Those publications will help you. But it will look a little strange if you devote tons of time to research before medical school and then drop off the map. Try to keep at it. There will definitely be plenty of opportunities to get involved in clinical or bench research during med school.