Research at another institution

[pathologyDO]

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MS1 at an osteopathic COM, interested in a surgical specialty. Our school doesn't have much if anything along the lines of surgical research, so according to my adviser I am supposed to either apply to the super-competitive anatomy fellowship for which there are 3 spots, or talk to our anatomy dept. head about research with local residents/fellows, or work with researchers dealing with medical device companies.

On the other hand, I am very close to an allopathic school which has what I would assume a great selection of physicians in the surgical field who I could ask to do research with... so I have gone ahead and sent out a few emails to see what I can do.

I couldn't really care less about a paid research fellowship, so long as I can get a publication in. I wouldn't mind doing research this summer and continuing next year if need be to get the publication.

Do you guys think I should have any concerns about doing research at another institution? Is this something that is done often?

 

[Frazier]

I am a MD student and do research at both my home institution and at another institution 1-2 hours away. Done it all through MS1, will do it through MS4.

People in my class are going all over the country (and even other countries) to do research this summer.

So, I don't get it -- what is your concern?

I assume you mean there will be some sort of conflict if you work with people outside your institution? (The answer is "no", btw.) I don't know how familiar you are with research and collaboration, but it is extremely common for people from different institutions to work together. You can list your affiliation as your home program if it makes you feel good.

 

[pathologyDO]

I'm truly concerned about publications, and wonder how common it is to get published working with a physician at another institution.. as I said, this likely isn't going to be a paid fellowship program. The only people I have heard of at my institution going all over the country to places like Hopkins are doing paid fellowships... a more structured type of research project with certain guarantees on posters, presentations, etc.

 

[Frazier]

I'm truly concerned about publications, and wonder how common it is to get published working with a physician at another institution.. as I said, this likely isn't going to be a paid fellowship program. The only people I have heard of at my institution going all over the country to places like Hopkins are doing paid fellowships... a more structured type of research project with certain guarantees on posters, presentations, etc.

I'm still not quite sure what you mean. You are worried that you are less likely to have your paper accepted by a journal because the authors are from different institutions? You are worried that the PI will not include you as a listed author? You are worried that the publication will look bad to residencies?

Trying to dig a little deeper.

(All of those hypothetical worries above are hogwash for various reasons, btw, if applicable to you.)

Since you are cold-calling, you cherry pick the PI's. You are honest about your goals and what you can bring to the table. Only seek out PI's that publish often in clinical research, make it clear that in return for your efforts you wish to build your CV. If you get more than one positive response, compare the available projects and choose whichever is more interesting to you.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

I'm truly concerned about publications, and wonder how common it is to get published working with a physician at another institution.. as I said, this likely isn't going to be a paid fellowship program. The only people I have heard of at my institution going all over the country to places like Hopkins are doing paid fellowships... a more structured type of research project with certain guarantees on posters, presentations, etc.

You're thinking people will rip you off for being osteopathic? Grow up. This is academia. As long as you and the PI agree your work will receive credit, you put in the work then you get the credit. Putting your name in a piece of paper is not like handing you something of tangible importance.

 

[pathologyDO]

Yes basically all of the above. At my UG institution I worked under an MD/PhD who screwed me and gave me neither a LOR, nor any mention in publications. So going outside of my COM scares me a bit... Sounds unreasonable I guess lol

 

[pathologyDO]

You're thinking people will rip you off for being osteopathic? Grow up. This is academia. As long as you and the PI agree your work will receive credit, you put in the work then you get the credit. Putting your name in a piece of paper is not like handing you something of tangible importance.

No no no not my concern, sorry I am so unclear. My advisor didn't suggest this option so basically I am going out on my own idea and asking around at another institution.. It just feels sneaky, and as I mentioned, I've had a PI screw me after doing research for a long period of time.. I've never been published but understand I need a publication, if not multiple. I also felt like in UG the game was to want to be researching and not to want to do it for prettying up your CV... So this concept of being outright about my intentions is anew as well

 

[Frazier]

No no no not my concern, sorry I am so unclear. My advisor didn't suggest this option so basically I am going out on my own idea and asking around at another institution.. It just feels sneaky, and as I mentioned, I've had a PI screw me after doing research for a long period of time.. I've never been published but understand I need a publication, if not multiple. I also felt like in UG the game was to want to be researching and not to want to do it for prettying up your CV... So this concept of being outright about my intentions is anew as well

I guess it could feel like that ("sneaky") if it is all foreign to you. Of course, in reality it isn't and you will come to appreciate that more as time goes on. There is nothing wrong with what you propose and there is no reason to be insecure or secretive about it...much more the opposite, it is commendable that you are willing to go above and beyond with doing the requisite footwork in order to find opportunities.

Also, yes, you need to be up front and honest about what you want. Of course be tactful and professional in your correspondences; however, there is no value inherent to beating around the bush when it comes to these things. "I am a med student at XYZ and have a strong interest in ABC specialty. I found your work on QWE. Your prior studies made you want to contact you in order to see if I could assist you with any projects that could use an extra hand. While I don't expect financial reimbursement, I do wish to have both the opportunity to learn more about your specialty and to continue strengthening my CV. "

Ask where they see the project going. Most likely the end goal is always a manuscript. Ask how they approach authorship on their projects ("different PI's tend to have different approaches"). There is no need for you to go into your "I've been screwed over in the past" story at that point in time.

I'm batting 1000 with the honesty and sincere interest... ~7 PI's (now and over past few years).

 

[Shaq]

getting screwed over will not happen because you are doing research at an institution you are not enrolled at. it happens if your PI is an a**hole. the best way to prevent this from happening to you is meet as many people as you can and find someone who is willing to mentor you and someone you feel like you truly get along with. the project is less important than the mentor. publications always a plus!

 

[Debaser]

MS1 here. I go to a middle tier state school but have been doing research at a more "prestigious" outside institution for several months now and all has been going well. I'm even writing a manuscript for publication. That said, I wouldn't be so concerned. As alluded to above, as long as you have a great mentor, strong work ethic, and a real chance at publishing, it can't hurt to research at another institution.