Question for someone starting next year

[shahalam]

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Hey everyone. I'll be startin medschool this fall and am super pumped. I know everyone says relax and don't do anything, but I really wanted to do some research at the medschool I'm going to the summer before classes start. I want to go into a semi-competitive specialty and wanted to know if the research I did should be in the same field as the specialty I want to do. Is it one of those things that is pretty important or doesn't really matter as long as there's some research under your belt? Thanks a lot for all the help everyone! Peace!

 

[lord_jeebus]

Although I don't know if it's a good idea, if you're going to do it, it is better to do it in your field of interest.

 

[Blade28]

Agreed.

But I'd recommend just taking it easy. Don't try to "pre-study" or do research now. Plenty of time for that later.

 

[TheLuckiest]

I agree with these guys. I over-exerted myself prior to starting this year and it was SUICIDE. I was so excited to start med school, but had no energy left in me for anatomy.

Keep in mind, there is going to be plenty of other time to pursue research later on. Don't sign-on to lots of projects at the beginning of med school; give yourself some time to settle-in and establish a routine. Prior to med school, consider volunteering part-time to help your CV, or pick up a part-time job to earn some cash. Either way, I would take off at least a week before classes actually start so that you feel very well-rested and ready to tackle the rigors of medical school.

Good luck! 🙂

 

[DoctaJay]

ALOT of medical students have gotten into very competitive specialties without starting research so early. Rest my friend. The time from first year to graduation is stress enough.

 

[bretticus]

Don't do it. Enjoy the free time you have now, you may not have much later.

 

[Law2Doc]

Hey everyone. I'll be startin medschool this fall and am super pumped. I know everyone says relax and don't do anything, but I really wanted to do some research at the medschool I'm going to the summer before classes start. I want to go into a semi-competitive specialty and wanted to know if the research I did should be in the same field as the specialty I want to do. Is it one of those things that is pretty important or doesn't really matter as long as there's some research under your belt? Thanks a lot for all the help everyone! Peace!

Most people change their minds at least once as to their ultimate specialty. You may have a rotation in something and find that you love/hate it. So best to keep an open mind about everything until sometime in third year. Given that backdrop, it is unrealistic to expect that the specialty you do research in now is going to be on target. Which is fine -- do research to get your feet wet now, and do something more targetted later if you opt for a specialty that requires research.

 

[OncoCaP]

Hey everyone. I'll be startin medschool this fall and am super pumped. I know everyone says relax and don't do anything, but I really wanted to do some research at the medschool I'm going to the summer before classes start. I want to go into a semi-competitive specialty and wanted to know if the research I did should be in the same field as the specialty I want to do. Is it one of those things that is pretty important or doesn't really matter as long as there's some research under your belt? Thanks a lot for all the help everyone! Peace!

It's your life, so enjoy it the way you want to. If you want to do research, explore the options. Don't be afraid to take some chances on something. Just be very up front with your PI's and that you will have little or no time once classes start. Don't be afraid to try something you want to do. As far as specialties, I wouldn't concern myself too much with that unless you are going into something moderately competitive or until you get your step 1 score and it looks like you're going have decent enough score + class rank to get into plastic or whatever you're gunning for. If you want to do something like Derm or Plastic you'll need to be AOA to have a chance ... research isn't going to make up for being in the bottom of the class. As far as research projects go, try to find something you enjoy doing (at least you will have had fun), something you can publish (it's pretty much irrelevant otherwise), and close to your specialty of choice if you can work that in (lower priority).

 

[-Goose-]

Hey everyone. I'll be startin medschool this fall and am super pumped. I know everyone says relax and don't do anything, but I really wanted to do some research at the medschool I'm going to the summer before classes start. I want to go into a semi-competitive specialty and wanted to know if the research I did should be in the same field as the specialty I want to do. Is it one of those things that is pretty important or doesn't really matter as long as there's some research under your belt? Thanks a lot for all the help everyone! Peace!

*and a gunner was born*


seriously, take this summer off. its one of the last you'll ever get, if not the last. go to some crazy exotic location you've never been to. camp in the woods for a week. run a triathlon.

something. anything. but. med school.

 

[md mayhem]

Research can be like a vacation from med school! (at least that's what I told myself this last summer when I was working full time) -_-

the answer to your question though, is no, it doesn't have to be in your specialty of choice, no one expects you to know that right now. There may be a slight bonus to doing research in your specialty, but you can always do that later. I'd go with something you find interesting and something you can actually get something done in.

 

[sprinkibrio]

I did research the summer before my first year, but I had taken a year off before. I had a really good experience and felt rested afterwards. To do it the summer before school you have to like it and want to for the sake of it. If you do it to boost your resume the cons outweigh the pros. And if you're coming straight out of college, no no no way.

Thinking you're going into a competitive specialty is pretty irrelevant to the decision right now.