Question On Top Research Schools

[pdxjazz]

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The general consensus around SDN is you need to have a very strong research background to be competitive at the top rated research schools. That makes sense. However, I also see where some of these same schools are highly rated in primary care (Harvard, Penn, Pitt, UCSF, etc.) So I have to wonder if those schools that rank highly in both categories take applicants that are not quite so strong in research but are interested in primary care, or do they just take those with significant research assuming many will go into primary care?

 

[NotAsking4Much]

The primary care rankings are rather arbitrary. I don't pay too much attention to them.

There are other ways to get into top research schools without being amazing in research. Being outstanding in research is obviously one way, but there are other methods too.

If all the top research schools just generated researchers with no clinicians, then our country would be in serious trouble.

 

[FutureScaresMe]

My tour guide at UCSF had no research experience at all, but other really cool global health related experiences.

 

[somepremedkid]

The primary care rankings are rather arbitrary. I don't pay too much attention to them.

There are other ways to get into top research schools without being amazing in research. Being outstanding in research is obviously one way, but there are other methods too.

If all the top research schools just generated researchers with no clinicians, then our country would be in serious trouble.

👍

Research helps but it's not necessary. Only do it if you are interested. There are other components besides research.

 

[HumbleMD]

Best to both, but leaning more towards international or underserved work is fine too. I'm entering my 4th year and I STILL haven't published yet.

 

[pdxjazz]

Thanks guys, never did care for the research but would like to apply to some of the better schools. I guess if they don't like the research I do have, all they can say is no.

 

[Ischemic]

Thanks guys, never did care for the research but would like to apply to some of the better schools. I guess if they don't don't the research I do have, all they can say is no.

Don't get too strung up on med school rankings. They all teach a standardized curriculum. The only difference is how they teach the material and possibly prominent connections you can make with the faculty/doctors there that'll help you get into your residency of choice. At least for med school I believe that prestige =/= better training.

 

[pdxjazz]

Don't get too strung up on med school rankings. They all teach a standardized curriculum. The only difference is how they teach the material and possibly prominent connections you can make with the faculty/doctors there that'll help you get into your residency of choice. At least for med school I believe that prestige =/= better training.

Thank you. Yes I have heard that about the residency matches. I also see that the better schools seem to have larger endowments and thus can help to reduce the overall cost of medical school (looking at average debt). There is only 1 medical school in my state and they don't really offer incentives so I'm looking at other options.