research during second year

[exeunt]

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hey guys,

i was just curious what your guys' thoughts are about the wisdom of doing research throughout second year. i've met with PIs who strongly recommended against it, saying that it was much more important to focus on grades/boards, as a higher board score would go much further than a slightly better quality pub. however, i've also met with PIs that expected students to come in throughout 2nd and 3rd year, and many people i know that are interested in derm intend on doing research throughout 2nd year. obviously clinical research wouldn't take up as much time as basic science, but clinical derm research is really hard to come by at my school so it would most likely be basic science...

thanks in advance for your help!😳

 

[asmallchild]

hey guys,

i was just curious what your guys' thoughts are about the wisdom of doing research throughout second year. i've met with PIs who strongly recommended against it, saying that it was much more important to focus on grades/boards, as a higher board score would go much further than a slightly better quality pub. however, i've also met with PIs that expected students to come in throughout 2nd and 3rd year, and many people i know that are interested in derm intend on doing research throughout 2nd year. obviously clinical research wouldn't take up as much time as basic science, but clinical derm research is really hard to come by at my school so it would most likely be basic science...

thanks in advance for your help!😳

If you can balance schoolwork and research during 2nd year, that's always a bonus.

If you had to pick one, strong grades and particularly a strong Step 1 score will carry you further. Especially because many students change their mind about what field to go into during the clinical years. It would be better to have that strong base as opposed to sacrificing for a publication.

 

[TexasPhysician]

If you can balance schoolwork and research during 2nd year, that's always a bonus.

If you had to pick one, strong grades and particularly a strong Step 1 score will carry you further. Especially because many students change their mind about what field to go into during the clinical years. It would be better to have that strong base as opposed to sacrificing for a publication.

Agreed. I would also push for clinical research. If it were me, I'd search out any clinical opportunity before giving in to bench work.

 

[exeunt]

thanks for the input!

just out of curiosity, what do you guys think looks better--a really solid board score (260+.. would 250+ fall under here?) or a really big name pub (nature, JID, etc.)?

 

[asmallchild]

The board score is more versatile.

Also, the two are not mutually exclusive