Research advice for MS II

[Phospholipid]

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Hello
I have about 5 wks after my step 1 to do research, but I have to choices right now, which I'm kind of in a predicament. A pediatric cardiology lab has shown interest in me for that time frame, but I do not know what I will be doing and he said he will get back to me on Jan 4th. In the meantime, a neurology lab has shown significant interest in me and has already has a plan on what I would be doing. It seems that I would be doing surgery on mice to mimic PTSD... well here's a bit from the email

"One project we are working on right now relates to traumatic brain injuries. We are using a mouse model where we conduct surgeries and evaluate neuroprotective strategies to limit damage and improve recovery. This is an exciting project and you might like to help us to conduct some of these surguries on animals that will undergo subsequent behavioral, neurophysiological, or biochemical evaluations. If you just focused on learning the procedure and then following the mice as they underwent subsequent evaluation, you might improve our throughput and learn a great deal. I also find that small animal surgery is a very good use of a medical student's time, because the skill they learn will benefit them when they are in their clinical rotations. "


Now my question is, I really have no interest in neurology, but it does seem like a good experience. Is it still pretty early regarding doing cardiology research? Would doing this research help or hurt, or not have any effect when I'm applying to internal medicine with the hopes of going to cardiology?

 

[lurkerboy]

Choose the place where you think you can have the greatest impact in such a short amount of time. No one would expect you to know what you are going to end up doing in over 2 years. Neurology research will not harm you for internal medicine. Experience with animal models could even help you in basic science cardiology research if you were to choose that one day.
The bottom line is, as an MSII, any involvement where you made a substantial contribution, where you could potentially get your name on a publication, or at least get a letter of recommendation can only help you.

5 weeks is a short amount of time but it could lead into something more independent that you can fit in during free time or between rotations over your msII-IV years.

I would see what the peds cardio projects look like and make a decision based on what I mentioned above. I wouldn't worry that TBI research will look bad... I took care of plenty of people with PTSD and TBI as a resident.

good luck.

Hello
I have about 5 wks after my step 1 to do research, but I have to choices right now, which I'm kind of in a predicament. A pediatric cardiology lab has shown interest in me for that time frame, but I do not know what I will be doing and he said he will get back to me on Jan 4th. In the meantime, a neurology lab has shown significant interest in me and has already has a plan on what I would be doing. It seems that I would be doing surgery on mice to mimic PTSD... well here's a bit from the email

"One project we are working on right now relates to traumatic brain injuries. We are using a mouse model where we conduct surgeries and evaluate neuroprotective strategies to limit damage and improve recovery. This is an exciting project and you might like to help us to conduct some of these surguries on animals that will undergo subsequent behavioral, neurophysiological, or biochemical evaluations. If you just focused on learning the procedure and then following the mice as they underwent subsequent evaluation, you might improve our throughput and learn a great deal. I also find that small animal surgery is a very good use of a medical student's time, because the skill they learn will benefit them when they are in their clinical rotations. "


Now my question is, I really have no interest in neurology, but it does seem like a good experience. Is it still pretty early regarding doing cardiology research? Would doing this research help or hurt, or not have any effect when I'm applying to internal medicine with the hopes of going to cardiology?

 

[RxnMan]

Choose the place where...

Good advice. I have one difference on opinion, and that the OP should go where the "fit" is best for them. At this point, mentors are incredibly valuable, both in terms of learning how to do research and by supporting the OP in the future. Given that the OP only has a few weeks, I'd actually say it's more important to choose the PI you get along with and is the most supportive. The likelihood of the OP making a substantial contribution in that time is low, but increased with a supportive PI, and a good LOR is more certain in a positive environment.

 

[digoybugoy]

Depends if you can get on track to publish. of course cardiology research would be alot better. Try to ask around the cardiology division there might be a project just waiting for you to pounce on. Personally I would wait for 4th year so that you understand more of the clinical aspects of the research.

 

[howelljolly]

It cant hurt.

I did research in neuro, and applied to internal medicine. One of the PDs asked about the neuro research, and that lead to a long discussion about its application into internal medicine. Remember, these PDs are smarter than you. I left the interview feeling like I had done research in immunology.