Question regarding summer opportunities

[bunker]

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Hey all,

Long-time reader, first-time poster here. I'm a prospective MD/PhD student to be applying during the 2011-2012 cycle.

I am trying to finalize my summer plans, and I'm in a bit of a quandary. I currently work in a yeast molecular genetics lab, and have been for about a year. It's really an ideal situation-my PI is extremely supportive, I get to work independently for the most part, and molecular genetics is my intended area (roughly) of future PhD studies. Additionally, I'm on the verge of two publications which will likely be published much more quickly if I stay in the lab this summer ( They would be my first). I go to school at a large public university in the Midwest.

I have the opportunity to take the summer and work in a research lab of my choosing at my state's medical school. The main reason I'm even considering this option is it would give me experience in a more medically oriented lab which could be beneficial, as well as hopefully result in an additional research related letter of recommendation. I expect to get a strong letter from my current mentor, and it seems like it would be nice to have another strong research letter.

Anyways, I don't have to make a decision for a couple months still, but I wanted to run it by the community here to perhaps get some useful insight. Input appreciated!

 

[DendWrite]

2 publications >>>>>>>>>>>> extra research letter of rec. Seriously, having 2 publications that are in print on your CV at the time you apply rather than saying "in preparation" or "under review" is (in my opinion) infinitely better. As you said, they are on the verge of being published if you work in the lab over the summer. Summer research, in general (from what I've read / friends have done) consists of a month maybe learning the lab protocols / not screwing up / meeting people / figuring out what the hell you are doing. Then you have maybe 6 weeks of frenzied work trying to collect enough data to analyze and turn into a poster and present during the last 2 weeks. Publications can happen, but they are no sure thing.

Also, since you said these are your own projects, chances are you'll be first author? This is much less likely if you join a lab where projects are already underway and you just help out in between. Again, these publications are no "sure thing" either. Finally, bear in mind the review process. If you finish up this summer, you give yourself essentially a one year barrier for revisions, additional experiments / journal submissions, etc. Sometimes the process is super-quick but other times it's a huge pain in the ass, so budgeting for this time will give you the best chance of getting your publications.

Anyway, my advice (and what I'd do if I were in your position) is to work super-hard and make it a goal to get the papers published this year.
I think that molecular genetics research is plenty relevant to an MD/PhD program (they aren't really looking for clinical research). People will tell you that you don't need publications to get accepted, and they are right -- however, if the choice is, as in your case, between potentially getting 2 pubs or getting "more research experience that you can talk about in your interviews," the publications clearly trump this. Plus, you said your PI is great (and who knows what the guy you work for at the med school might be like). I'm definitely in favor of you staying there.

 

[Freak]

Personally, I would vote for the paper (as this will make your current letter better). If the paper is going to be out before your application anyway, then go with the variety of experience.

I could argue that showing a single mentor throughout your training may show dedication to your specific project (ie. required for a PhD). Getting two letters would show that you are successful in diverse environments, though.

Really, it depends on what you want to do for yourself. I would not worry too much about the MD/PhD process, and more about what your future scientific goals are and which suits your interests more.

 

[bd4727]

I agree with the other posters in that if getting 1 or more papers hinges on you staying in the lab, then you should stay. If you will get those papers either way, then changing labs sounds like a good idea to me in order to get multiple experiences and to have different LORs. I don't think a good idea is to get a "more medically relevant" project going, as this is not a consideration in MSTP applications.