research...name vs. work?

[rirriri]

so i've been looking at various research positions....one of the better things i've found involves Head and Neck tumours here in chicago at a big university. The university isn't a particularly renowned one, and it's run by a PhD. This guy is pretty dedicated and seems to be a very motivated and intelligent person. He devotes himself thoroughly to his projects and he seems pretty open to me joining his lab.

then there are the other types of options like NIH and Stanford and the other "post doc" positions.....these other bigger names may have a better NAME to them, but i'm not so sure if i would find as much freedom to learn as much as i wanna learn and/or as friendly of an environment to work in.

how important do you guys think getting a "big name" on my CV is?? or do you think it's better to just find a GOOD PROJECT with good people? i *do* like the idea of having a "big name" on my CV..but i'm not so sure if that's the important thing to be looking for right now.

i'm trying to improve my CV and sumultaneously make myself more knowledgable in the lab and research side of medicine....one of the Path PDs i talked to suggested that i *shouldn't* go for a post-doc fellowship, because it's aimed more for PhDs, rather than MDs like me who plan to pursue residency thereafter.

any insight would be appreciated.

CHEERS and hope all of you are well!
RIRRIRI

 

[Global Disrobal]

So you are alive afterall!

Go with the position that will get your foot into the door best. If you can land one within a Pathology program at a place you want to go to and have a good shot at in the future, then choose that.

After that, look at ones that look the most promising (publication, quality, freedom), and then name sake.

Good luck with your search!

Catch ya later (Ps I'll be in Chicago visiting some friends in May after my bachelor party, shall I send thee an e-mail??)

 

[rirriri]

bachelor party!?! yer getting married!? WOO HOO!!

yeah, well i was recommended this research program by the PD of the program i'd like to join, so it can't be all bad can it?

cheers for the advice....DEFINITELY e-mail me when you are in Chicago...

 

[Global Disrobal]

In that case go for it.

I'll drop you a line when I cruise by the area...hopefully this time my friends won't trick me into going to an all Indian club where I stood out like a sore thumb

By the way, on your signature, change the "MSIV" to "MSDone"

Peace Out

GD

 

[yaah]

Yeah, big name is all well and good, but it doesn't really mean much if that's all it is. At least, I don't think it does. I would find a spot in a place with a topic that interests you and has people you would enjoy working with. I would think the worry about something like a post-doc position is that it might become a longer time committment than you originally expected, or might "accidently" become permanent.

Even if it is not "big name" research and you don't get your name on a paper, at least in time for applications, you will still have the experience to talk about. Not to mention that you will have demonstrate a significant interest in research and know what you are getting into in the future. At the point of applying to residencies, I think it is almost as important, if not more, to just be able to demonstrate interest and enthusiasm as opposed to actually doing something "really important" at a famous institution. At this stage in your career you are still learning about where your future career might go and what your best talents are. No one expects you to be a lead researcher or have a fundamental understanding of how to set up your own lab, have your own grants, etc.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll do well.

And now, back to watching CNN!

 

[rirriri]

good points Yaah. most likely i will not "rush" and publish something immediately and at the time of applying, i will basically be able to just talk about my experiences thus far at the said research position.

i'm weighing everything out....because i have time to i guess. i've made so many mistakes, that i'm just trying to cover up the best i can.

having said that....i just emailed someone at Harvard. hehe.

i think the big name appeals to me only because i haven't had one on my entire CV as of yet....i went IMG (no name) and my undergrad. was at a stoopid little liberal arts place and a huge mediocre university.....so the romanticism of having a UCSF or Harvard does sound appealling...........but it seems likely that in the end i will probably go with my GUT which always tells me the truth.

cheers for the advice
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