Research Between 2nd and 3rd Year: Pros/Cons

[zion]

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Hey everyone. I think this topic has been discussed elsewhere, but I haven't been able to find much information.

But what are the pros/cons of taking a year off after the 2nd year for research, especially if it is through a year long program that funds it.

Thanks.

 

[carrigallen]

Pros:
Chance for productive research
Good LORs
More time to socialize
Good for residency application to higher tier programs

Cons
If you don't get much accomplished, it looks bad
Your loans may keep accruing interest
For every year you take off, that is a one year salary subtracted from the LAST year before you retire.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

another con is that you risk forgetting a lot since taking step 1 before heading to the wards.

 

[zion]

Thanks for the reply. Good points.

It seems like a major plus would be getting into a better residency and in the long run if one is considering the academic route would be a really good start.

Also, it may help getting into a more competitive field like ophto and thus that may offset any "lost" income, no?

Pros:
Chance for productive research
Good LORs
More time to socialize
Good for residency application to higher tier programs

Cons
If you don't get much accomplished, it looks bad
Your loans may keep accruing interest
For every year you take off, that is a one year salary subtracted from the LAST year before you retire.

 

[Gulliver]

another con is that you risk forgetting a lot since taking step 1 before heading to the wards.

Really, that's frickin hilarious.

 

[zion]

another con is that you risk forgetting a lot since taking step 1 before heading to the wards.

That is also a good point, but one could try to review since research is not as time consuming as studying in med school, no?

 

[doc05]

the wards don't resemble your step 1 material.

 

[zion]

For all those people who have actually taken a year off for research btwen 2nd/3rd, how was your transition back into med school clinical years? Also how was it being among people who came in the year after you and having all your classmates be a year ahead and eventually graduate before you?

 

[zion]

.

 

[Singh]

For all those people who have actually taken a year off for research btwen 2nd/3rd, how was your transition back into med school clinical years? Also how was it being among people who came in the year after you and having all your classmates be a year ahead and eventually graduate before you?

Hello.
I am currently doing full-time research, after having completed 3rd year of medicine (6 yrs in all).

I have found research to be more relaxing, even though you are expected to put 60 hours of work a week in your project. But once you're at home, you can relax (perhaps read an article in the evening) - no stress about lagging behind in the curriculum - no chapters you HAVE to read for tommorow. It's a flexible job, and needless to say, the more time you put into your research, the better the outcome. Furthermore, I have learnt some basic research techniques which I wouldn't have learnt otherwise. This will be extremely useful for me in the future.

To answer your question concerning forgetting the stuff you have learnt in your preclinical years: You'd be surprised how much a difference a year makes. I thought I would be revising throughout my research year, but that doesn't really happen (might work out for you though). As far as theoretical knowlegde is concerned, I really have forgotten alot! Since I have not yet started my clinical studies, it's hard to say whether it will affect me then.

Good luck with whatever you may do!

...Singh

 

[zion]

Hey Singh.

Thanks a lot for the reply. This is something I'm definately considering. Best of luck.

Hello.
I am currently doing full-time research, after having completed 3rd year of medicine (6 yrs in all).

I have found research to be more relaxing, even though you are expected to put 60 hours of work a week in your project. But once you're at home, you can relax (perhaps read an article in the evening) - no stress about lagging behind in the curriculum - no chapters you HAVE to read for tommorow. It's a flexible job, and needless to say, the more time you put into your research, the better the outcome. Furthermore, I have learnt some basic research techniques which I wouldn't have learnt otherwise. This will be extremely useful for me in the future.

To answer your question concerning forgetting the stuff you have learnt in your preclinical years: You'd be surprised how much a difference a year makes. I thought I would be revising throughout my research year, but that doesn't really happen (might work out for you though). As far as theoretical knowlegde is concerned, I really have forgotten alot! Since I have not yet started my clinical studies, it's hard to say whether it will affect me then.

Good luck with whatever you may do!

...Singh