Question about research while in medical school

[NubianPrincess]

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Are there many opportunities for MD students to get involved with research projects at schools that are very research oriented, or are these opportunities mostly for students who are enrolled in combined degree/medical scientist programs?

 

[Supadupafly]

You can do as much research as you want, but good luck finding time for anything but summer jobs.

 

[NubianPrincess]

Thank you for responding, Supafly

 

[Marooned]

I've known people who actually do part time clinical projects during their first couple of years at my school. That's in addition to that, 75% of my class participated in a summer research fellowship these past few months.

I plan on continuing working in the basic science lab, in which I did my summer fellowship, into second year. This is at the request of the PI, who says that part time research is definitely possible.

 

[Supadupafly]

To support the last fellow who replied:

I am currently looking at taking a research job for a few hours a week simply because I feel it helps me appropriate my time (studies, social, work, ect). I still feel like the first couple years leave little time for extracuricular work, but it's a choice you have to make.

 

[lotanna]

I'm still continuing clinical research from my masters thesis work that I've been working on the past yr, but its easy since its already in place and its a matter of me checking in every now and then and my prof is mainly doing the data analysis for me now. I'm just happy thats since its on preg women in a clinic, and I'm in med schl, it'll be my research, and anything else will be extra. I know i'd have a hard time right now as an M1 tryin to find time to start any new research.

 

[Blade28]

Definitely possible. I'd highly recommend at least getting involved in one project if you're thinking about a competitive/somewhat-competitive residency.

 

[leorl]

I've done research the past two summers, and hopefully will submit a paper soon (in its proofing stages). Of course, my school system is a little different than yours and so it allows enough time to get good research done in the summers. We could possibly be continuing it through the year, but we haven't discussed it quite yet, as the two of us working on it are still students and will have to compare schedules.

 

[velo]

yeah, I think at most schools that are research oriented student research, especially over the summer, is encouraged and quite well funded.

I think somewhere around 80% of our class does research at some point along the line.

 

[leorl]

Not meaning to hijack thread...but do you think research should be in the area that you want to eventually go into (in terms of residency placement), or just any research? The research I'm doing now I find really interesting, but it's not exactly in the area I want my career in.

 

[Blade28]

I feel that if you're currently involved in a project you're really interested in (and can speak passionately about), then definitely stick with it. You can always look for a residency-related project later...remember, you'll most likely write about your research in your personal statement, which means it will probably come up during interviews. It would then help if you liked what you were talking about. 🙂

 

[Marooned]

Not meaning to hijack thread...but do you think research should be in the area that you want to eventually go into (in terms of residency placement), or just any research? The research I'm doing now I find really interesting, but it's not exactly in the area I want my career in.

Let's see. I've done serious research projects on neurodegenerative diseases and on sickle cell disease, yet I plan on going into NO field related to either of those areas--as of now. I think that the process of research is the most highly-regarded experience that top residency program directors appreciate. Of course, publications make your candidacy that much better.

I'd like to think that being exposed to these areas will make me more well-rounded and help me to rule out/in areas of specialty.

Also, consider the potentially greater committment of time that basic research projects can require as opposed to clinical projects. You may have to spend significant time in the lab on a basic research project whereas clinical projects may allow enough flexibility for you to work from home.

I'd like to know what our MSIV thinks of the "well-rounded" and "rule out/in" rationale.

Thanks.

 

[leorl]

Yeah, mine's clinical (which I love, I really hated bench research) and if everything goes right, will have my first paper as first author out soon. The project was fascinating and has really exciting implications for clinical use, I'm just pretty sure the area itself is not one I'm going to choose for my residency.

 

[Blade28]

Also, consider the potentially greater committment of time that basic research projects can require as opposed to clinical projects. You may have to spend significant time in the lab on a basic research project whereas clinical projects may allow enough flexibility for you to work from home.

I'd like to know what our MSIV thinks of the "well-rounded" and "rule out/in" rationale.

Me? 🙂

I think that's great advice. It's definitely tough to do basic science, "bench" research during med school - the summer between first and second year is the only available time, really. Clinical research (i.e. the kind I've been doing all along) is much more manageable. I started two projects the summer after first year, added a third during third year, and have managed to squeeze out papers, posters and presentations from them. Now I just gotta sit back, work on those revisions (two have been accepted pending minor revisions), and wait for the third!