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!

 

[nittanylion00]

I think you should pursue any research that interests you. Even organic chem labs can be very meaningful to a MD career, especially if you're doing an MD/PhD. Doing that track implies that you are interested in boing basic translational research, and organic chem has many applications in drug development. Of course stem cell research is always a hot topic, but don't choose your research based on what you think will look good for an MD or an MD/PhD program. Choose it based on what you want to do. As far as choosing an advisor, I would go with the PhD with one project (again as long as you can pursue your interests with that person). You'll get more personal instruction and in general they're better with basic science techniques and critical evaluation of the basic science literature. If you choose to just pursue and MD and do strictly clinical research, that's not as important. Good luck!

 

[DrMom]

duplicate thread, so closing.

Please do not post the same, or essentially the same, thread in more than one forum.