Should I do Research?

[drboris]

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Hi guys,

I am finishin up 1st year and am considering doing ophtho research this summer. I am the Ophtho club president at school so I am showing interest in ophtho early. Unfortunately, I did not receive a stipend to do the research, so I would have to do it for free, which is why I have to decide between working and making money or doing free ophtho research.

The research project is very small, and entails me picking up a questionnaire biweekly and sorting the data. This may be published eventually, maybe sometime next year. Its not that big of a committment but its not really a major project either, and chances are I won't get published?

So, is it worth it? Will it help me if I do avg on boards, or is my leadership in the ophtho club worth more?

Thanks

 

[rubensan]

The research project is very small, and entails me picking up a questionnaire biweekly and sorting the data. This may be published eventually, maybe sometime next year. Its not that big of a committment but its not really a major project either, and chances are I won't get published?

You should do research if it interests you, I think many people will tell you don't just do research to do it. Why don't you think your project will get published? If you decide to do research, make sure that whoever it is you are doing research for is going to guide you along and help you see this project to completion. No sense in dedicating time to something or someone for a few months just to have it fall by the waste side like so many medical student research projects do.

So, is it worth it? Will it help me if I do avg on boards, or is my leadership in the ophtho club worth more?

I am not a program directory nor a dept chair, but I believe that many programs look at the whole picture of an applicant. Sure, research and your presidency show dedication to the field. But you also need good board scores and grades. Unfortunately, it's really hard to say if one is worth more than the other. Bottome line, try to do the best you can in medical school and if doing this research project "feels right," than do it.

Good Luck,
Ruben



Drboris,

 

[Quixotic]

I have heard it is good to do research to at least round out your application, although I'm not sure if it is really necessary. I think having good grades, showing interest early and board scores are definitely important. For me, the research is a must. I love working in the lab and solving problems. My goal is to publish a minimum of four papers before applying, maybe five if I have the time. I figure this will make up for grades if I only end up in the top 25%. I haven't taken boards yet so we have to wait on that one. What would be great is if you could find a research project you are interested in that you could do during the semester. That way you could work during the summer. One the other hand, is the small amount of money you make this summer really going to change anything in the long run? Remember, it is about who you know in life, not what you know.

 

[demspawn]

I agree with the posts.

Research is good for filling up holes in the application if you have mediocre scores or something else that makes you lose points.

Nevertheless I think research is the most important part of Medicine, second to directly saving lives. Because if ti is done right it will indeirectly save lives in the future...

If you dodecide todo it, try and make your project more competitive so that it will have an impact on the field whether small or large.

D