Research

[TheLongRoad87]

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First of all im someone who never had an interest in science until I decided I wanted to become a D.O., so im kind of unfamiliar with research as a whole, call me ignorant . And it may be awhile before I even have pre-med type science courses, 2013 when I seperate from the Air Force to be exact. I was going to wait until im a full time student and take them all in a row to best prepare for MCAT

Should I hold off on doing research until I become more seasoned in the sciences?, or are there some things I can do independently that would qualify as research and at the same time get me scientific exposure? Since I'll only go back to school to finish my BS full-time in 2013, I was looking for some ideas on things to do in the meantime to spark my interest, not that I think my interest in science will wane, but that's a long time and i'd like to think there are things I could do to learn and/or get research experience instead of sitting around and doing nothing with science for 3 yrs, advice appreciated.

 

[familyaerospace]

You can do non-scientific research.

Plus since you're Air Force, keep your ears perked (or maybe ask your CO) if there are any research projects around that you might either be able to be assigned to or volunteer for. You just never know, especially in the military.

 

[slatermd]

First of all im someone who never had an interest in science until I decided I wanted to become a D.O., so im kind of unfamiliar with research as a whole, call me ignorant . And it may be awhile before I even have pre-med type science courses, 2013 when I seperate from the Air Force to be exact. I was going to wait until im a full time student and take them all in a row to best prepare for MCAT

Should I hold off on doing research until I become more seasoned in the sciences?, or are there some things I can do independently that would qualify as research and at the same time get me scientific exposure? Since I'll only go back to school to finish my BS full-time in 2013, I was looking for some ideas on things to do in the meantime to spark my interest, not that I think my interest in science will wane, but that's a long time and i'd like to think there are things I could do to learn and/or get research experience instead of sitting around and doing nothing with science for 3 yrs, advice appreciated.

Anything that you take on by yourself (without faculty supervision, not for course credit, and not leading to presentation/publication) won't count as "research" on your app.

You may be able to enroll in some credits of "independent research" (I am able to at my school) where you would undertake a small project on your own. Just for example, if I were to do it it would consist of reviewing the scientific literature on Multiple Sclerosis and writing a review of the most current treatments and therapies.

This isn't what selective medical schools are looking for when they ask you about your research experience, but it will say "research" on your transcripts.

Also, while research is a valuable extra-curricular, you will be able to get into DO schools without it. If you want to stimulate your interest, find a DO who does primary care and practices Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy on his or her patients. Have him/her teach you some strain/counterstrain techniques. Shadowing and having a good relationship with a DO will go a lot farther toward getting you in at an osteopathic school.