Research with no publication?

[Ja3ger]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello hello,

I'm an MS2 very interested in Psych at the moment. I'm considering getting involved in some research, and soon I should be joining a lab performing basic research in Psych. The research genuinely interests me, and while I know research experience can be beneficial when applying to residencies, I want to get involved in research for the sake of my own interest/passion.

My question is: Although the PI appears to have produced several publications in the past few months, the lab is still in basic science (and I understand clinical research generally is more conducive to fast publications, etc). If I don't have any publications by the time I apply, is that a (big) problem?

Also, while I have you reading, it'd be great if you could also give your thoughts on...
-Does it matter that the research is basic as opposed to clinical, in terms of applying to Psych residencies?
-How necessary/helpful is volunteering experience, in terms of applying to Psych residencies? (I don't have any yet...)

Thanks!

 

[OldPsychDoc]

Hello hello,

I'm an MS2 very interested in Psych at the moment. I'm considering getting involved in some research, and soon I should be joining a lab performing basic research in Psych. The research genuinely interests me, and while I know research experience can be beneficial when applying to residencies, I want to get involved in research for the sake of my own interest/passion.

My question is: Although the PI appears to have produced several publications in the past few months, the lab is still in basic science (and I understand clinical research generally is more conducive to fast publications, etc). If I don't have any publications by the time I apply, is that a (big) problem?

Also, while I have you reading, it'd be great if you could also give your thoughts on...
-Does it matter that the research is basic as opposed to clinical, in terms of applying to Psych residencies?
-How necessary/helpful is volunteering experience, in terms of applying to Psych residencies? (I don't have any yet...)

Thanks!

We understand that "research experience" very often does not result in a published paper from the short period of exposure, and usually the best outcome (if any) is a poster/abstract presentation somewhere. Basic vs. clinical doesn't matter, as long as you learn something, unless your sights are set on an academic program where you hope to be preparing for a research-oriented career (which most aren't, even at university-based residencies).

Volunteering helps as we're screening applications to offer interviews, as it helps us to see an interest in service. Someone with 4 years of advocacy work, or a year-long stint working in a group home, or other stuff directly related to mental health lets us know that you're probably not just using psych as a backup for your true passion in dermatology. It's not a huge deal for US med students, but for IMGs it can help us differentiate between someone "really interested in psych" vs "just get me any US residency". But all in all, I'd rather have someone who volunteers because their heart is in it, vs. just "checking the box" on the application.

 

[splik]

Psych research shows interest in that. Besides that without publications or presentations it's useless for the purposes of your application. Also if you're not interested in research then it doesn't really help to do research. You would be better off doing other things that showcase your interest and allow you to grow which might include teaching, public engagement, advocacy, administration/leadership, innovation (for example designing a mental health related app), policy etc

If you are interested in applying to a research track residency then you absolutely want to have publications and bulk is as important as the journal IF. For a short research stint it is better to be able to get involved in a smaller project you can complete than a larger study that your fleeting contribution to has little impact or endurance. You're also better off with a PI who has time mentor you than a busy more well known person who doesn't

 

[Monkey House]

I bet you can get some poster presentations more easily than you imagine. Many local medical societies welcome medical student posters and the American Psychiatric Association is also supportive as well.

As to designing a mental health app that splik mentions - now building it and making it HIPAA complaint is another story!

 

[wolfvgang22]

Definitely put your unpublished research on your C.V. I do.