Research for Internal Medicine

[ColdBrewChomps]

I am an incoming M1 student who, as of now, is interested in pursuing internal medicine. Talking with many current medical students, they've expressed to me the clear importance of research for building a strong residency application. While I know that internal medicine isn't categorized as a research heavy and "competitive" specialty, I know that research is still absolutely needed.
I am curious to know what kind of research a medical student should be doing if pursuing an IM track? With other fields, it's more straightforward such as ortho surg or derm. But since IM is so broad and widespread, what kind of research should be done that would be considered important and relevant when ultimately applying for IM residency?
I appreciate any advice/feedback!

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[deleted889094]

Do whatever you're interested in. It'll help you determine if you want to do a fellowship and help you build connections for it.

 

[deleted600623]

Agree. Do whatever you want. Yeah it’s important but your ability to match won’t hinge on your research. Step 1 and clinical rotation grades are much more important.

 

[throwaway1000000]

I am an incoming M1 student who, as of now, is interested in pursuing internal medicine. Talking with many current medical students, they've expressed to me the clear importance of research for building a strong residency application. While I know that internal medicine isn't categorized as a research heavy and "competitive" specialty, I know that research is still absolutely needed.
I am curious to know what kind of research a medical student should be doing if pursuing an IM track? With other fields, it's more straightforward such as ortho surg or derm. But since IM is so broad and widespread, what kind of research should be done that would be considered important and relevant when ultimately applying for IM residency?
I appreciate any advice/feedback!

What fellowship do you want to do? If you don't want to do a fellowship do whatever you want. If you do, target in that field.

 

[AlteredScale]

I am an incoming M1 student who, as of now, is interested in pursuing internal medicine. Talking with many current medical students, they've expressed to me the clear importance of research for building a strong residency application. While I know that internal medicine isn't categorized as a research heavy and "competitive" specialty, I know that research is still absolutely needed.
I am curious to know what kind of research a medical student should be doing if pursuing an IM track? With other fields, it's more straightforward such as ortho surg or derm. But since IM is so broad and widespread, what kind of research should be done that would be considered important and relevant when ultimately applying for IM residency?
I appreciate any advice/feedback!

If you want to go to a T10 or PSIP IM program you’re gunna need strong research in addition to a lot of stuff academically.

But all in all the research you choose to do can be in whatever’s specialty, preferably one in the IM divisions. Doesn’t matter if it’s bench or clinical, just pick something and commit to if you like it and get something out of it.

 

[studentdocftw]

Research is important, particularly for the T25 or so that are academic powerhouses. For a solid mid tier, you'll be fine without significant research as long as your grades and scores are good. Good thing is, because IM is so broad, you should have plenty of opportunities to get involved.

 

[ColdBrewChomps]

If you want to go to a T10 or PSIP IM program you’re gunna need strong research in addition to a lot of stuff academically.

But all in all the research you choose to do can be in whatever’s specialty, preferably one in the IM divisions. Doesn’t matter if it’s bench or clinical, just pick something and commit to if you like it and get something out of it.

At this stage, I'm fairly certain I want to specialize within IM but unsure which subdivision that would be. Would it be wise to try a GI project, nephrology project, cardio project, etc? And after seeing what each subdivision looks like, then basically sticking to one and delving into research related to that IM specialty?

 

[throwaway1000000]

At this stage, I'm fairly certain I want to specialize within IM but unsure which subdivision that would be. Would it be wise to try a GI project, nephrology project, cardio project, etc? And after seeing what each subdivision looks like, then basically sticking to one and delving into research related to that IM specialty?

Stick to one field. If you like that field, great. If you don't like it, it will still spin as IM research. Doing a project in each field is not going to really give you any advantage. But doing a project in 1 field will give you an amazing advantage if you decide to specialize in that field

 

[AlteredScale]

At this stage, I'm fairly certain I want to specialize within IM but unsure which subdivision that would be. Would it be wise to try a GI project, nephrology project, cardio project, etc? And after seeing what each subdivision looks like, then basically sticking to one and delving into research related to that IM specialty?

Try your hand in a couple. There's a ton of stuff going on in almost all the specialties so pick something you you seem interests you. As @throwaway1000000 stated, it'll spin as IM research because it would be under the divisions of medicine.