Research Track Option

[UFMed]

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My school offers a Research Track Option that allows students to perform research over the course of their studies and still graduate on time. I know that competitive residencies (nearly) require research, so I thought it'd be a good idea to join such a program and make it official.
Do you think a program like this will make a positive impact on an application for residency?

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The College of Medicine offers a research track option within the medical school curriculum. Students who take this option will have the opportunity to perform an extended research project with a faculty mentor, take a number of research-related courses, graduate with a Certificate of Special Competence in Research, and receive their degree with a designation of Honors in Research.

Essential Components of the Primary Research Option:

• Year 1-Students select mentors, subject to the approval of the Oversight Committee. Students perform 10 weeks of research during the summer following Year 1 and take a course in "Ethical Issues in Research." Funding is available for stipends on a competitive basis.
• Year 2-Students take the USMLE Step 1 Examination at the conclusion of the second year.
• Year 3 (mid-June - August)-Students defer their first clinical clerkship to year 4. They perform 10 weeks of research and take courses in "Biostatistics" and the "Science of Clinical Research."
• Year 4 (Feb-April)-Students complete the deferred clerkship, perform 8 weeks of research, and write a manuscript during Independent Study time.
• The student's final research report or publishable manuscript is reviewed by the Oversight Committee.
• The student will graduate with a Certificate of Special Competence in Research and will receive his/her degree with a designation of Honors in Research.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

I think it looks like a pretty good option. However what will matter more than being in the program is doing some good research and publishing.

 

[RxnMan]

I think it looks like a pretty good option. However what will matter more than being in the program is doing some good research and publishing.

We have a similar program at my school. It can, at times, be challenging to fit everything in with the regular curriculum. But as Pink said, the value of the experience depends more on the student in the program, than the program being on your CV.

Maybe it will help you to frame your question a bit differently. I am of the thought that there should be only two reasons why anyone would pursue this track (or any research-related endeavour): either you want to determine if research is for you, or if you know you want research to be a part of your career and you want to develop your skills.

 

[-Goose-]

Looks pretty cool. I'd do it.

 

[devilpup]

I would do it, good stuff.
Sounds a lot like the Drew/UCLA medical program- they require students to develop a research thesis prior graduation. Some get to publish.