Research Advice

[Reaganite]

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I didn't decide until late in my 3rd year that I would like to do radiation oncology. I joined a lab in May and have been working on a project. The problem is that it is a basic science project(radiobiology), and my PI does not think we will be submitting a paper until next year. The research is great. I have a lot of autonomy, and I have even been responsible for proposing and carrying out my own studies. As it stands now, however, I will not have a publication by the time applications are due. My question to you guys is this: should I try to do some small project on the side (a clinical study, write a review, etc.) that could be published in a timely manner (or at least submitted;I don't want to sound arrogant) or am I okay doing my current research without a publication? I do have a very strong medical school record (260s, AOA), but I have been reading through the FAQs, and everyone seems to suggest that research is absolutely crucial for this field and that research without a publication is worthless.

 

[Gfunk6]

Absolutely, yes. Do a small project that is publishable so that you can put it on ERAS. Your numbers are good enough to get past pretty much all the initial screens but those pubs are important to get an interview (and to talk about them during the interview). Good luck!

 

[digimon]

Do as much as you can. Case reports are a great way to get something submitted quickly. most attendings will likely have patients that have been sitting around, waiting to be written up. It's also a great way to get face time and ultimately a solid recommendation. Don't alienate the current lab you're working in tho. Don't burn bridges.

Good Luck! RadOnc is a wonderful field.

 

[deleted4401]

What tier med school?

Not that I'd try it, but I think you could probably power through and match at a middle to lower tier program, with numbers like that. If you can get a pub and then also talk about your basic science background, you're going to be a solid applicant for top programs.

And, I'm finally coming around to what Steph is saying ... interviews matter. I've gotten contacted from programs about potential openings (including another offer yesterday!), because they remembered me, and thought I was a good guy. So, interview well ...

-S

 

[Reaganite]

What tier med school?

Not that I'd try it, but I think you could probably power through and match at a middle to lower tier program, with numbers like that. If you can get a pub and then also talk about your basic science background, you're going to be a solid applicant for top programs.

And, I'm finally coming around to what Steph is saying ... interviews matter. I've gotten contacted from programs about potential openings (including another offer yesterday!), because they remembered me, and thought I was a good guy. So, interview well ...

-S

Unfortunately/Fortunately I go to a lower tier school. Unfortunately because I have read on the FAQs here that the medical school you attend is very important especially at some of the top programs. Fortunately because my program has shown a major preference for students from my school. It's been stated in the past that if you are the only student from the school applying, unless you are an absolute disaster, your chances of matching at the school are excellent. In fact, the dean of my school cannot understand why I am so worried about the match since all of the students who have matched in the past have been "average." Of course, I've worked so hard in medical school that I would hate to restrict myself to my home program if I have a chance at a "big name" place. (Not that I wouldn't be happy at my home program).
Thank you so much for the advice. You guys are awesome. In case you guys don't remember, I posted here a few months back. I was the guy who was told by the program director that they were not accepting medical students for research because they had been burned too many times in the past. I took your advice and spoke with the residents who recommended the attending I am now working with. Now if I can just get a publication!

 

[CNphair]

And remember, you don't have to have a paper in print to put it on ERAS. Just get something submitted...anything! Then you can get through the initial research "cut."

I had a similar background and am happy with where I matched. Don't worry -your hard work will pay off. But just expect to be more than a little nervous throughout the process. The Rad Onc match sucks, but the field is fabulous.

 

[clintpark]

In fact, the dean of my school cannot understand why I am so worried about the match since all of the students who have matched in the past have been "average."

It'll take a while for someone who does not closely follow rad onc to realize that it is super-competitive. It's true that just a few years back, "average" students got into rad onc with no problem, that is no longer the case. I caution everyone against feeling too secure after talking to non-rad onc people. Not to make you too anxious though, your numbers are very impressive and you should be able to get many interviews.

Also, while having your publication "accepted" is equivalent to having it published, "submitted" is not as strong.

 

[stephew]

It'll take a while for someone who does not closely follow rad onc to realize that it is super-competitive. It's true that just a few years back, "average" students got into rad onc with no problem, that is no longer the case. I caution everyone against feeling too secure after talking to non-rad onc people. Not to make you too anxious though, your numbers are very impressive and you should be able to get many interviews.

Also, while having your publication "accepted" is equivalent to having it published, "submitted" is not as strong.

i have to agree with Clintpark with regard to understanding the context. its been over 10 years now since "average" students they could get into radonc. THis has nothing to do with the quality of the person as a doctor, but merely the cv.

 

[clintpark]

I caution everyone against feeling too secure after talking to non-rad onc people.

or for that matter, even old rad onc attendings who have not been involved with the selection process in the last few years may have an outdated perception about the competitiveness of the field.

 

[deleted4401]

Unless your advisor is a current decision maker at a pretty good program, I am in full agreement. I was told by my dean of Student Affairs that I would "definitely match". What a wash!

-S

 

[medgator]

Unless your dean is a faculty member in rad onc, they won't have the current info on the trends in the field. My dean put rads ahead of things like ENT and urology, which after talking to applicants from those fields, definitely isn the case. The best thing to do is talk to people from the field that see the apps every year (i.e. PDs and maybe chief residents).