quitting research after one year

[mangos_and_melatonin]

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I'm a sophomore and I basically realized that research isn't for me. I entered into the lab with an idea that I was split between med school and a PhD, but now I'm more set on med. I've spent a year here, and was planning to spend at least another so that I could request a LOR while I was in the lab (and after I take my PI's undergrad class).

Would it be acceptable if I left now? my nonclinical volunteering is kinda lacking in my opinion (only ~150 hrs) and I'd use the extra time to boost that

I'd have 300 hours of research at the end of the year, no posters or pubs

 

[chilly_md]

I think you’ve put your time in for the PI and found out that research was not a fit. It would be appropriate to let the PI know that you do not plan to continue. As you said, it would be a good idea to increase your non clinical volunteering hours. That’s an area a lot of students struggle with and many schools value service since medicine is an altruistic field.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Agree, you’ve gotten what you need out of the experience. Gracefully bow out

 

[LindaAccepted]

I'm a sophomore and I basically realized that research isn't for me. I entered into the lab with an idea that I was split between med school and a PhD, but now I'm more set on med. I've spent a year here, and was planning to spend at least another so that I could request a LOR while I was in the lab (and after I take my PI's undergrad class).

Would it be acceptable if I left now? my nonclinical volunteering is kinda lacking in my opinion (only ~150 hrs) and I'd use the extra time to boost that

I'd have 300 hours of research at the end of the year, no posters or pubs

Sounds like a smart move to me. Just when you apply aim more schools that more focused on clinical than on research. In the meantime, as you propose, get in the volunteering that shows wat you're really interested in.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Sorry this research experience didn't work out. If you want to do medicine and don't have enough community service, then... you know what to do.

 

[appliepie789]

I'm a sophomore and I basically realized that research isn't for me. I entered into the lab with an idea that I was split between med school and a PhD, but now I'm more set on med. I've spent a year here, and was planning to spend at least another so that I could request a LOR while I was in the lab (and after I take my PI's undergrad class).

Would it be acceptable if I left now? my nonclinical volunteering is kinda lacking in my opinion (only ~150 hrs) and I'd use the extra time to boost that

I'd have 300 hours of research at the end of the year, no posters or pubs

Hi! I was also in your shoes just a couple of weeks ago. I was also in a lab, when I realized that the type of research they were conducting was simply not for me. I also spent around 8 months and was also planning to spend more time. However, there just came a point in which my mental health came into jeopardy. It Is there that I realized I have the choice. If you do not like research, that is totally fine! You are not alone in this. What I did is that I made it clear to my PI what my priorities were and I was honest. You and your passions can come first...I think that being able to do what you like in college will make a genuine and stellar application that I am sure many adcoms are looking for. Also..there are many types of research out there! I realized I hated wet lab research because I missed the interaction with people and the relevance to physiology. I really recommend trying to look for clinical research opportunities if research is still something you would like to pursue. However, know that it is not mandatory. Overall, do what makes you happy.