Summer after MS-1 research questions

[OnlyLiveOnce]

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Since it's that time of year to start thinking about (or, actually, to basically finalize) what we want to do this summer, some questions:

- How beneficial is a summer research program that doesn't lead to a publication? Do residencies still care about it?

- What are other good ways to spend the first summer besides doing research?

- Do competitive residencies practically require research, or are they equally impressed by shadowing/volunteering/internship experiences related to that specific field of medicine?

 

[turkeyjerky]

I can't imagine that residency programs would be impressed by shadowing or internships given that you'll have vastly more important clinical experiences during 3rd and 4th year.

If you don't want to do research during the summer, you shouldn't feel pressured to do so. From what I've gathered, it seems like research rotations third year are a lot more productive anyway.

 

[PeepshowJohnny]

Since it's that time of year to start thinking about (or, actually, to basically finalize) what we want to do this summer, some questions:

- How beneficial is a summer research program that doesn't lead to a publication? Do residencies still care about it?

- What are other good ways to spend the first summer besides doing research?

- Do competitive residencies practically require research, or are they equally impressed by shadowing/volunteering/internship experiences related to that specific field of medicine?

1) Depends on the residency. For Rad Onc, not going to cut it. For Derm...it's nice but by no means a killer. For less competitive stuff, it's variable based on what type of program you're applying.

2) If there are some fields of medicine you're interested in but your school only allows limited exposure to them before fourth year, checking them out may be a worthwhile endeavor. Spending time/getting to know a dermatologist, a radiologist, an ophthomologist, a urologist could be useful if you're interested in fields like that.

3) Rad Onc is pretty much the only residency that "requires research". Stuff like Derm, Plastics, ENT...it helps quite a bit but it's not necessarily required. Radiology and Ortho...it's a feather in your cap that makes you stand out and gets you into better programs but again...not required. Shadowing/volunteering doesn't impress program directors, but it is helpful. It gets your foot in the door and a connection to the field. Finding mentors is important in medicine, especially in small, closed knit fields like many subspecialties are. So those connections are valuable and any time you can forge one, more power to you.

 

[Textuality]

I'm doing clinical research with the Radiology dept this summer, and I'm really excited to have a project again. I chose it because I'm considering radiology and was curious to learn more about the field without having to wait until 3rd or 4th year.

But from what my professors and deans keep telling us, research after 1st (or doing anything medically related after 1st year) is by no means a must, they'd be just as happy if we took the summer off to have fun. I know a few residents who didn't do research during their first summer (most did it during their 3rd/4th) and things turned out fine, they don't think it had a major effect on their applications.

 

[Milo86]

I got the Washington Scholarship at Cedars Sinai, and one from American Peds Society at VUSM. Anyone know anything about either one?

 

[vtucci]

Many specialties are becoming more competitive and consequently, research is a way you can distinguish yourself (particularly if it leads to one or more publications/abstracts).

Rad Onc is certainly one field that virtually requires research (with 6.3 abstracts et al) but it is not the only one. In 2007, the mean number of abstracts/presentations/publications for matched applicants in plastic surgery was 6, derm 5.7, ENT 4, orthopedics 3.8, neuro 3.2, path 2.8, diagnostic radiology 2.8. Even general internal medicine has a mean of 2.2 for matched applicants.

MSI and MSII students should look at the 2008 program director's survey http://www.nrmp.org/data/programresultsbyspecialty.pdf. This lists some of the characteristics PDs use to offer students interviews. You should also look at the Charting the Outcomes in the match with matched and unmatched applicants to get a better idea of the requirements of your desired field (if known). http://www.nrmp.org/data/chartingoutcomes2007.pdf. This is where the mean number noted above was taken.

Shadowing/internship by itself is not viewed as highly as research or other academic endeavors but may be necessary for your decisionmaking. Talk to a mentor in your desired field esp if you will not get exposure till 4th year (i.e., ophtho, ENT, derm etc) and perhaps you can parlay some shadowing with research and get a stronger letter of recommendation from that preceptor.

 

[DrQuack247]

Even general internal medicine has a mean of 2.2 for matched applicants.

So i'm assuming this includes all research done in the students career?
When else will you have time to get a publication if you went straight from undergrad to med school? The summer after first year and during undergrad. Is that when most people get their published work done?

Thanks