research in physics okay?

[Ansar]

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Hi all,

Seems like everyone here, being a Bio or Chem major, ends up doing research that is at least somewhat relevant to medicine?

I joined a group last fall where we do applied physics research, in the production of nanofibers, and the PI put me with a grad student to develop a mathematical model (using fluid mechanics and magnetism) for a new method the PI wants to test

I suppose any research is better than no research, but could this make adcoms view my app in a negative light (e.g. - if this guy wants to go into medicine, why is he doing research with fluids and magnetism...??) It's not even a wet lab...the only non-theoretical work the grad student and I do is make solenoids and prepare ferrofluid solutions.

Sorry if this topic has been beat to death 😳 ...

Sincerely,
Ansar

 

[gettheleadout]

Research field is irrelevant. Physics research actually might make you stand out a bit compared to bio research.

 

[cwrig14]

Research demonstrates intellectual curiosity. As long as you're problem solving, exhibiting some independence, and enjoying/learning from your experiences, I don't see how physics research can be considered a negative.
Just my 2 cents, but I think that the fact that your research deviates form the norm can be considered a positive. For adcoms that do see similar research experiences application after application, this could be refreshing.
All in all, it's more about what you gain from the experience than "does it look good"

 

[Praefectus]

As long as your research demonstrates your curiosity with how things work (i.e. science), you're perfectly fine.

 

[plumhill]

nanomaterials-related research is still pretty applicable to medicine (even if your specific project is not). i think your project sounds really neat! i'd say go for it

 

[Ansar]

Thanks for the responses, all!

Yeah, I enjoy the project (both the PI and the grad student I work with are great people). Modeling is hard, but it's been really interesting getting to learn about this (both the research field, and the concepts from Physics that the research involves)

Also glad to know my worry is unfounded 🙂

nanomaterials-related research is still pretty applicable to medicine (even if your specific project is not). i think your project sounds really neat! i'd say go for it

Yeah, there's actually a guy that was working on nanofibres that can detect when someone (e.g. a competitive cyclist) is overheating, or fibres to combat toxic gases. Really eye-opening that this stuff is being developed.

 

[kpcrew]

that actually sounds pretty cool. it gives you a hook for interviews

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

The only way I could see it being a negative is if you're applying to an MD/PhD program. Then they'd probably ask you why you want to do biomedical research when all your past research experience has been in theoretical physics. But as far as straight up MD though, I don't think it would be a problem. I know a woman who got her PhD in physics before going to med school, so if that much of a dedication to physics wasn't enough to keep her out then I doubt a year of undergrad physics research will pose you any problem.