Stem cell research a good topic to get involved for a premed?

[shnjb]

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Do you guys think that human embryonic stem cell research would be interesting and significant for someone planning to go to med school, possibly an MD/PhD program?

For example, research at an organic chemistry laboratory, I have learned, is not all that related to medicine at all.
Sure, the molecules may have medical significance, but the tedious process of synthesis of those molecules is completely unrelated and not "helpful" for the career of an MD, in my opinion.

On the other hand, I think something like testing a certain drug on murines or working with even drosophilia for neurology-related topic might be something a premed can find useful later on.

So, with all of that said, do you guys think human ES cell research would be a good choice?
Personally, I'm fascinated by the topic and although I'd be initially very limited in what I can do in the lab, (cell count, cell culture, helping with the whole renewal and differentiation processes) it is my understanding that I could be doing a lot more after a year or so in the lab.

Basically, I'm looking for something I could continue in an MD/PhD program.
Yay? Nay?

(Also, if you could, please give me your opinion on whether a lady who is an MD associate professor in charge of 5 projects would be better to work with or a guy who is a PhD assistant professor who will personally work with me along with only one grad student would be better)

Thanks for all your opinions in advance!

 

[chewsnuffles]

Of course its great. I just hope you can find some project willing to take you as an undergrad. You gotta understand it from the perspective of a lab director, it will take as long to train you as a summer or two (PhD's really don't even start making much impact until 6-8 months when they start, and they are POST grad)
Also, the cost of human stem cell labs is enormous compared to other kinds of labs, and the liability of having an undergrad might be too high, although if your one of the "stand outs" as there often are here on SDN, maybe you have a shot of getting it. I'm no expert in the field myself, but great research for you might be more in the physiology sector, where you could probably find something aplicable and easier to get into. Genetics too posibly, mice and flies are great undergrad disease models.

 

[thesmartazz]

You bring up a very good point towards the end your post. That is, the amount of attention that you will get from a PI is inversely proportional to the size of the lab. That said, professors are extremely busy people who have to constantly write grants and papers (publish or perish, etc.). So while personal attention from a PI is great, I would be wary of how much time a professor can spend with you personally teaching you lab techniques. (Likely, it'll be a grad student or post doc/resident who answers your questions.)

When trying to make the decision you mentioned, you should try to get a feel of the working environments in those labs. The lab with 5 projects probably has more funding, and you may be working on a "sexier" project with the latest technologies. The smaller lab, as you mentioned, will likely grant you more independence and give you your own project. Which suits you better?

(Also, if you could, please give me your opinion on whether a lady who is an MD associate professor in charge of 5 projects would be better to work with or a guy who is a PhD assistant professor who will personally work with me along with only one grad student would be better)

Thanks for all your opinions in advance!

 

[shnjb]

I still haven't talked to the MD professor about joining her program in person.
But the PhD professor I was able to meet in person yesterday and he seemed very open to the idea of me joining his lab.

I guess I'll meet with the MD professor, see how that goes and make comparisons before making the decision.

Thanks guys and any additional input will be greatly appreciated.

 

[jonathon]

Hi shnjb,

You are lucky to have a chance to work with stem cells. With working in a lab that does stem cell research, you will have a great chance of learning the ins and outs of stem cell research.

 

[shnjb]

Hi shnjb,

You are lucky to have a chance to work with stem cells. With working in a lab that does stem cell research, you will have a great chance of learning the ins and outs of stem cell research.

I feel the same way. I'm truly excited about the opportunity and now face a lucky (and difficult) decision between two laboratories.

 

[cgscribe]

I think both projects would look great for your application, and give you some interesting perspective to offer interviewers. It's important that the research be medically related. As far as which advisor would be better, unless the M.D. is renowned, I'd stick with the PhD who can give you personal attention, and get to know you, because that will help when you need letters.

 

[alitheia]

Do you guys think that human embryonic stem cell research would be interesting and significant for someone planning to go to med school, possibly an MD/PhD program?

For example, research at an organic chemistry laboratory, I have learned, is not all that related to medicine at all.
Sure, the molecules may have medical significance, but the tedious process of synthesis of those molecules is completely unrelated and not "helpful" for the career of an MD, in my opinion.

On the other hand, I think something like testing a certain drug on murines or working with even drosophilia for neurology-related topic might be something a premed can find useful later on.

So, with all of that said, do you guys think human ES cell research would be a good choice?
Personally, I'm fascinated by the topic and although I'd be initially very limited in what I can do in the lab, (cell count, cell culture, helping with the whole renewal and differentiation processes) it is my understanding that I could be doing a lot more after a year or so in the lab.

Basically, I'm looking for something I could continue in an MD/PhD program.
Yay? Nay?

(Also, if you could, please give me your opinion on whether a lady who is an MD associate professor in charge of 5 projects would be better to work with or a guy who is a PhD assistant professor who will personally work with me along with only one grad student would be better)

Thanks for all your opinions in advance!

It sounds like you've answered your own question there: if you're fascinated with stem cell research, it will be interesting and significant for you, and when you talk about it in med school apps and interviews, your passion and understanding of it should be obvious. Obviously ES cell research does have clear medical applications, so definitely go for it.

Personally, I'd pick the PhD PI for the individual attention unless the MD is a hot-shot in the field or you think the work her lab does is a lot more interesting than the PhD's. She might give you individual attention too. The PI I work for has 5 people working for him and I still get a lot of attention. I do think you should talk to them and ask them more specifically what they would want you to be doing in the lab. I had a decision between two PIs this summer and one told me up front that he would want me to be doing a lot of low level lab assistant work, whereas the one I decided to work for told me that he would like to start me on my own project and have me come back in future summers to work on it.

In a nutshell: go for the ES cell research and choose the PI who would fit you better.