Research Year between MS2 and MS3

[n1cgf]

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I've been thinking of taking a year off after MS2 and doing a year of research. I figured that this would allow me to get a year of research in before starting third year so I could continue being somewhat involved throughout MS3/4 (I've heard from residency directors that the length and productivity of research experiences are the most important).

Additionally, this would obviously give me a little more time to study for step 1 (probably will make a solid difference in my score), though I've heard varying accounts as to when one should take it in terms of how it looks to residencies. I'd also have this time to at least read through the first aids for my rotations before starting 3rd year, so that'd give me a leg up then too.

I was wondering if doing this before MS3 rather than MS is viewed in a negative manner by residencies, and if there are any other pros or cons that people think I should be aware of.

Thanks very much!

 

[DermViser]

I don't think residencies really care when you do it. Most take a research year after MS-3, when you have a better picture of how your application looks like and if going for a competitive residency. I don't know how taking a leave of absence will help you for boards as most schools will require you to take the exam before you leave, bc it's likely you'll forget the information after a year off.

 

[coffeesnob]

do you want to go into radiology?

 

[JJMrK]

While less common than a research year between MS3-MS4, plenty of people do this. There are multiple advantages, including: 1) More time to get your work published prior to ERAS, 2) More time to get to know your PI/faculty for a letter of rec, 3) Meeting people prior to doing clerkships in your field of interest, 4) Eliminating the gap between 3rd year clerkships and sub-Is, and cutting down on the "re-learning" curve involved there.

I actually think it's a great idea, and preferable to the 3-4 research year if you are 100% set on your field of interest. In some cases though it's not possible if the student hasn't decided on a specialty and needs the MS3 clerkships to figure it out.

As always, your best bet is to talk to someone you know who has done this and is now a resident in your field of choice.

 

[n1cgf]

Thanks very much for the replies! I had figured the longer time involved in research would be helpful, that said i'm not sure of my specialty. The research position I'm considering would likely be one in translational research that would hopefully be somewhat relevant to a number of specilties because of that, but i'm not sure how much it really needs to pertain to your specific residency choice. I'd also imagine something like oncology research is the sort of thing that would be great for any specialty. I may want to go into radiology, definitely haven't ruled that or IM specialtiesout, but am currently leaning more towards a general surgery residency.

 

[JoshSt]

I've been thinking of taking a year off after MS2 and doing a year of research. I figured that this would allow me to get a year of research in before starting third year so I could continue being somewhat involved throughout MS3/4 (I've heard from residency directors that the length and productivity of research experiences are the most important).

Additionally, this would obviously give me a little more time to study for step 1 (probably will make a solid difference in my score), though I've heard varying accounts as to when one should take it in terms of how it looks to residencies. I'd also have this time to at least read through the first aids for my rotations before starting 3rd year, so that'd give me a leg up then too.

I was wondering if doing this before MS3 rather than MS is viewed in a negative manner by residencies, and if there are any other pros or cons that people think I should be aware of.

Thanks very much!

OP,

Please see my linked post. I give the same advice to you, just replace radiology department with surgery department.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...l-mph-or-research-year.1072880/#post-15257976

Search my other posts too, I've commented on doing research during med school a number of times in a number of different threads. Reading through them may give you better insights.

 

[evilbooyaa]

I would do a research year between MS3 and MS4 if you are 100% set on the specialty you want to go into. If you're not there yet (as you seem to be), I would wait until after MS3, so you can be sure your research is going to be useful for the field you are applying to. I think if anyone is planning on taking a year off for research, they should be confident that they are doing it in the field that they will be applying to residency.

Regarding step 1 studying - Your best bet for a high step score is to study (without research) as long as you need, then take it. This would mean starting your research year slightly later, which is fine. Generally starting MS3 late will be frowned upon (unless you decide to do a research year after MS3, which would be fine).

 

[n1cgf]

Thanks! Yeah I had heard similar advice that I should take an extended dedicated study period to study for step 1 rather than pushing it off a year and taking it at the end of the research year (that said i'm still not clear if residencies would see the year delay and mind). Please correct me if I'm wrong but i'd imagine the increase in step 1 score of probably at least 30 points (no question a very, very rough estimate) would hopefully offset the decreased applicability of my research year to my residency application. And i'd further imagine that getting a headstart on 3rd year wouldn't be too bad either.

 

[evilbooyaa]

I mean at the end of the day, doing a productive research year (pubs, abstracts, posters, etc.) won't hurt you (so the extra 30 points would be a huge plus, obviously). The issue is that if you're doing research just to do research, without a goal of a specific (competitive) specialty (or a competitive residency within a non-competitive specialty, ala IM at Mass Gen), then you're spending a year that you won't be working as an Attending in your life.

All this being said, if you do a research year and do not get publications/abstracts (preferably first or at least second author), it will generally look bad on your application.

 

[tco]

I did a pathology fellowship between MS2 and MS3. The only thing I can say to really contribute to this is that if you do a research year, make sure you take Step 1 EARLY IN IT. It might sound like a good plan to take Step 1 late and study all year, but you will no do that. I took it on June 30th, after MS2 and I would not do it any other way looking back on it. Good luck with your decision.