Research Dilemma

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Schwann

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I am currently debating whether to do research in cardiology or ophtho. Since you have to go through internal medicine to get into cardio, would it be wise to just do ophthalmology research now? Do we have to do research in the field that we choose down the line for residency? I am in a dilemma. Any input would be appreciated.
 
Sounds like you are interested in Optho or Cardiology. Both fields are academic in nature, at least for training, and so research would be a big plus.

Optho is more competitive than IM, so all else being equal, I would go for Optho research. Having abstracts or even publications will be a big deal when applying to Optho programs.

If you eventually decide to apply for IM, having Optho research will still be a big plus, at least for academic programs. While a resident you can then transition to research in a subspecialty to help with your fellowship application.

However, while Optho programs may find your Cards research to be a plus, they are competitive enough that many students already will have been plugged into optho research.
 
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Definitely optho if you are debating between the two fields. For cards you just need to get into a good IM residency, for which you don't need extensive research. For optho research could make or break your app.
 
agree with the above. the only caveat is that published research> than unpublished research more or less regardless, so if the cardio project looks much more likely to be succesful then I would go with that.
 
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