Research at DO schools

[TopQuark]

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So after perusing the NRMP's Charting Outcomes pdf(1), I noticed the mean number of research experiences/abstracts/publications is listed for those who matched into each specialty. For the two specialities I currently have my eye on, IM and neurology, I see that the mean is >2. This seems to be the case for a lot of the other specialties I glanced at, with of course the more competitive specialties having higher avg research experiences. I'm not interested with making a career out of research, but these stats make me think a minimum amount of research is a necessary evil. Especially when trying to match into a decent program in an era of increasing class sizes and stagnant residency spots.

Is this actually the case? What exactly is a "research experience?" Since even the top DO research schools have pretty paltry research budgets compared to our allo counterparts, how do DO students get these research experiences? Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I'll be going to CCOM next year so any info specific to CCOM would be much obliged.

1. http://www.nrmp.org/data/chartingoutcomes2007.pdf

 

[jm192]

do they consider undegrad research?

 

[bleeker10]

So after perusing the NRMP's Charting Outcomes pdf(1), I noticed the mean number of research experiences/abstracts/publications is listed for those who matched into each specialty. For the two specialities I currently have my eye on, IM and neurology, I see that the mean is >2. This seems to be the case for a lot of the other specialties I glanced at, with of course the more competitive specialties having higher avg research experiences. I'm not interested with making a career out of research, but these stats make me think a minimum amount of research is a necessary evil. Especially when trying to match into a decent program in an era of increasing class sizes and stagnant residency spots.

Is this actually the case? What exactly is a "research experience?" Since even the top DO research schools have pretty paltry research budgets compared to our allo counterparts, how do DO students get these research experiences? Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I'll be going to CCOM next year so any info specific to CCOM would be much obliged.

1. http://www.nrmp.org/data/chartingoutcomes2007.pdf

Many DO students do research in the summer between their first and second years. Depending on the project, I bet you can get a couple abstracts/publications out of it. Other students at my school have talked to the residents at a local hospital to see if they need help on projects. I have contacted them about working in the ortho and ENT depts on residents' research projects. I am still trying to secure a spot but it is up to you to make these research experiences happen

 

[TopQuark]

Many DO students do research in the summer between their first and second years. Depending on the project, I bet you can get a couple abstracts/publications out of it. Other students at my school have talked to the residents at a local hospital to see if they need help on projects. I have contacted them about working in the ortho and ENT depts on residents' research projects. I am still trying to secure a spot but it is up to you to make these research experiences happen

Thanks! That's kinda what I expected to hear, but its good to know that it is doable. I currently work on a few studies as a research coordinator. The job doesn't really lend itself to coauthoring, but I should probably take advantage of my situation and try to get something going. No time like the present.

During undergrad I also worked in a lab and was coauthor on a couple abstracts that never got published. Think those will count?

 

[PistolPete]

I'm not 100% sure on this, but I think those numbers include all the research experiences listed on ERAS when one applies to residencies, which will include an abstract, a presentation, research from undergrad, etc. So 2 "research experiences" could probably mean a lot of things (ranging from 2 poster presentations to 2 first author publications).

Someone who has more information or has actually completed the ERAS application may be able to correct me though.

 

[rddoms]

http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/resources/downloads/worksheet2010.pdf

It looks like types of experiences are differentiated, but they can all be listed on the application. That is definitely good news.