Research Decision to Make, Clinical v. Bench -- HELP!!

[r1012]

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So - I have very little previous science research experience (lots of social sci, I was an econ major), and am currently working on 2 research projects, 1 clinical and 1 basic science. The thing is, I just don't have time for them both, and want to stop doing one, and don't know if I should just suck it up and keep doing them both.

The clinical project is something I'm really interested in, am going to be a second author on a paper, and am potentially designing my own project to be a first author. I'd like to focus my time primarily here so that I can get the ball rolling on my own project in time for interviews (December?).

The basic sci project is me running PCRs and gels, although it is a mini project that only I am working on. I don't think there will be any useful data out of this. I also only recently started working in this lab (director is a friend of a relative).

My AMCAS for entering 2011 is submitted, will this move be looked on negatively in secondaries/interviews?

I also have the option to work at an NIH-funded lab doing basic science research on E.Coli in primate models (I would definitely stop the aforementioned basic sci project) but I am not sure I have time for this either.

So - is clinical or basic sci research looked at more favorably, overall? I know that research I'm more passionate about will be better, but I'm just trying to decide if I should just keep doing both projects or if it's okay to stop doing the basic sci project. Will it matter for interviews or research during med school?

Thanks in advance for help!

 

[IvyHopeful20]

Usually bench research is. However, meaningful clinical research is better than being a PCR-boy. Most undergrads also don't have much clinical research experience, so that makes you unique. I'd do that.

Of course, if you can do both, it would be much much better. But if you want to pick one, stick with the clinical science one, especially if you're going to be published from it.

 

[Gloves]

both would be awesome!

Yeah I don't have the numbers to back me, but from my experience more people do clinical than bench. I'd go with bench (I'm a bencher myself 😀)

I don't think either is more favorable than the other though really

 

[ucsfstudents]

As long as you're doing some kind of research, and you publish/present, you will be fine.

 

[vc7777]

...So - is clinical or basic sci research looked at more favorably, overall? I know that research I'm more passionate about will be better, but I'm just trying to decide if I should just keep doing both projects or if it's okay to stop doing the basic sci project. Will it matter for interviews or research during med school?

Thanks in advance for help!

Do you want to continue research during and beyond medical school?

My school values both types of research. In fact, you must complete one summer of each type before you graduate, in addition to a year of research or your choice (I just completed my basic research block last week).

I would go so far as to say that most schools will appreciate research or intellectual endeavors even if they are not medical. I ran across an applicant on SDN (maybe a year ago?) that was doing interesting research on polar bears. How cool is that? They were able to articulate what it was that they were doing so well, I am sure that they will have great success in applying. Short story: If you are going to do research, do something you like.

 

[BBender716]

I did econ research and was concerned that it wasn't "sciencey" or "medically oriented" enough to count. When I talked to interviewers, they basically told me that what they were looking for students who were involved in higher level thinking in the projects rather than like someone previously referred to "PCR-boy" lol.

Get involved in whatever interests you and wherever the PI let's you actually be a part of the "watchmaking" instead of being just a "cog".

 

[Catalystik]

The project where you have the most creative input and control will reflect the most positively on you. Coming up with your own project and potentially being first author wins hands-down.

 

[BiopsychStudent]

I realize this is an older post but reading it got me a little curious as I've been corresponding with a scientist who does bench research modeling AD in vivo over the possibility of a paid RA position (as an undergrad I'd done similar work). At the same time I also got an email back from another lab about unpaid RA work in clinical research.

I'd naturally prefer paid work over unpaid work, but I'm a little apprehensive about the value of a non-clinical research position: I've heard from several posters on this forum that post-bacc research that's non-clinical isn't at all impressive to adcoms, and that you're liable to get shut down with the "Why not MD/PhD?" question.

 

[ReptarBar]

whichever has the highest chance of a publication is the one you want.

 

[Charles_Carmichael]

I'd naturally prefer paid work over unpaid work, but I'm a little apprehensive about the value of a non-clinical research position: I've heard from several posters on this forum that post-bacc research that's non-clinical isn't at all impressive to adcoms, and that you're liable to get shut down with the "Why not MD/PhD?" question.

There's nothing wrong with choosing to conduct bench research over clinical research. I've never heard that "non-clinical" research isn't at all impressive to adcoms. And I've had extensive bench research experience and have never been asked the why not MD/PhD question in the interview trail (to be fair, I brought up my research in all my interviews and mentioned that I'm likely going to take a year off after M3 to pursue a clinical research fellowship).

Go with the lab that interests you the most and where you'll really have the opportunity to be creative and develop into a better scientist.

 

[uclaussr]

go clinical. i loathe bench research, am counting down the days to when i can quit my bench research job. i really enjoyed clinical research tho.