Should I continue my research

[DRsmartypants]

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FYI: I am using my brother's account who is in medical school, but I am pre-med

Hey guys! thanks for any help in advance. I am doing some cool eye research at the med school associated with my school, and I am a freshman. I Like it(to be honest it is not fun, it is ok...), but I don't want to just like it , I really want to pursue my passions and do radiology or neuroscience research, but there is no guarantee I could even get new research although it is likely I could get some form of research. The professor said if I stay with her for at least 2.5-3 years, she considers publishing an undergrad. I got it spur of the moment and said yes mainly because a freshman with no prior research experience getting high end research is rare. and I figured the continuity and perseverance shown by sticking with it would look great for med school, especially if I get published. Should I stay? Or should I go pursue elsewhere, I already have 50 hours of volunteering, 140 hours of research++70 hours of shadowing. So I know dropping it in pursuit wouldn't be the worst career move ever, but the opportunity to get published is tempting. What should I do, any advice?

 

[eteshoe]

Publishing is not a pre-req to get into med school. If you don't care about the research then you will almost certainly not put in the work necessary for a publication. Since you're still a freshman, I'd advice you go on and do something you enjoy and forget about trying to get a publication as your end goal of research at this level. If you do a lot of good work and you happen to get published - all the power to you but you just need the experience. There will be plenty of opportunities to get published later down the line.

 

[Atomnicbomb]

I would not abandon ship if you can handle it - if it winds up being too much of a strain on your other medical school preparations, then it seems like it would not be the end of the world. But keep in mind that the experience is quite valuable and can help open doors to cognitive neuroscience research as well as other options! My last piece of advice is this: Do not stick it out solely for the hope of being published, as there really is no guarantee (rather a consideration as you worded it). Best of luck in your decision!


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[DRsmartypants]

Ok thank you, I mean I don't think it's that much of a strain(as of now), however I am in the process of possibly starting my own INR research or jumping in someone's neuroscience research. I learned a lot, but I do want to apply to the medical school where I am doing it at(BUSM) and I don't want to quit and hurt my chances down the line either. I think I am kind of at a point where I want to leave, but the PI is really pushing for me to stay and I feel like she invested a lot of time in me. I don't know how to get out without leaving on a bad note. Maybe I should just kind of "sew seeds of discontent" over the next few weeks only to say I want to leave the project later on. I don't want to leave abrutly either.

I definitely care about research, I want to do academic medicine and contribute to medical science, but I think I am more interested in clinical research then bench research, however I don't necessarily find bench work boring, just this specific project.

 

[Atomnicbomb]

Ok thank you, I mean I don't think it's that much of a strain(as of now), however I am in the process of possibly starting my own INR research or jumping in someone's neuroscience research. I learned a lot, but I do want to apply to the medical school where I am doing it at(BUSM) and I don't want to quit and hurt my chances down the line either. I think I am kind of at a point where I want to leave, but the PI is really pushing for me to stay and I feel like she invested a lot of time in me. I don't know how to get out without leaving on a bad note. Maybe I should just kind of "sew seeds of discontent" over the next few weeks only to say I want to leave the project later on. I don't want to leave abrutly either.

I definitely care about research, I want to do academic medicine and contribute to medical science, but I think I am more interested in clinical research then bench research, however I don't necessarily find bench work boring, just this specific project.

You know your principal investigator better than any of us, and you seem sincere and completely capable of figuring out a way to explain this to her! Remember, this is not a personal matter in terms of your principal investigator or her laboratory, although it seems like it; this is about you making the best decision(s) while preparing for your future. Honesty is the best policy, but give it some more time and consideration. Regardless of your decision, I am sure your principal investigator will understand.


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[eteshoe]

You have no obligation to stay with the PI regardless of how much pushing she's doing. If you find the project boring you're going to have a hard time convincing an adcom that you found it interesting. You're in Boston - there's plenty of cool research going on in the area. Plus you're a freshman - you can switch labs at this point and still have plenty of research experience by the time you apply for med school.

 

[DRsmartypants]

Thanks for the support guys, I think I am going to do it! I just gotta think of a way to "break the news"