Research in PS

[tartrate]

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Has anyone incorporated their research experiences into their personal statements? If so how did you go about doing it? It seems a bit weird, especially if you are planning to be a clinician, that doing research was a significantly motivating factor in your decision to become a doctor. Instead, I would think it comes off as "trying to cram your CV into your PS" kind of thing, which generally is touted to be a no-no on SDN. Thoughts?

 

[ShinyDome19]

I mentioned it in a short paragraph in my PS. For me, research has been a large portion of my application and a big part of my early career...it has definately affected my life, so to leave it out would have probably raised questions...And I was definately quized on it during my interviews - especially with the PhDs...

Really though, there are a lot of clinicians who do research and see patients. They are especially important in translational research. However, physicians in general need to have an understanding of research in their chosen field...otherwise they will be behind the curve when it comes to new treatments/procedures. One of the biggest gripes in medicine/academia right now are that there is a widening gap between physicians and research...So, having a research background is a definate plus going in.

 

[NickNaylor]

Tie it in to a satisfaction you get from learning/the sciences if you want to go that route.

 

[addo]

I found this book at my school library that contained several example essays, and many of them included their research experience. They were surprisingly good, and some of them were very nicely tied in with the rest of the PS- maybe thats why they were published.
Something like this would probably be a good read to get some inspiration and maybe some ideas.

 

[anfleisch]

Research and medicine go hand in hand. Every procedure done by clinicians came from researchers, and researchers continue to look into its outcomes. Anyway, there really is not much undergrads can do in the clinic but shadow physicians and volunteer to stock gloves and change linen. So for many premeds, their most rewarding experience is in research, since you can actually be very effective and learn a lot. So nothing wrong with putting it in detail on your PS.

 

[bravofleet4]

you need to talk more about your desires to enter into medicine. you also need to bring up your achievements...to say I have the analytical and cognitive skills to be a doctor.