Summer Research BEFORE 1st year

[bez2]

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Throughout the application process everyone on SDN has been very helpful so I trust your collective opinions. I am going to be a first year medical student at Columbia this fall. I was debating between doing next to nothing for the summer, or getting a research position (in whatever capacity) at Columbia. Most people seem to say that you should just chill the summer before your first year because it is your next to last summer ever, but I'd like to hear your opinions, especially those who have done this themselves.

To clarify a little, my reasoning is that by starting research now I can carry on during the year (slightly), and foster a strong relationship with a physician in my area of interest.

Let me know what you think.

 

[UNMC2006]

If you are entering an MD/PhD program, this could be a useful endeavor, also if you are wanting to go into a field such as oncology which requires post-graduate research, it may also be useful. However, with regards to obtaining relationships with physicians, I wouldn't worry about getting a jump on that, you will have more than enough opportunities to do that next year. My advice, and I imagine that of many, is to relax, and enjoy yourself. Do something that you don't plan to have time for in medical school, travel for example. Anyway, best of luck.

 

[DrMom]

I agree with UMNC: if you're entering an MD/PhD program it certainly wouldn't hurt, but otherwise I'd recommend that you enjoy your summer.

 

[uofchopeful]

In most, if not all MD/PhD programs, you are required to start the program in the summer--doing research, or some in-depth course. If you're not MD, I wouldn't even dream of doing anything the summer before the start of year one. You won't be able to continue the project, even "a little" into the first year.

I'd relax, and I'd be surprised if anyone were to tell you to do anything different.

 

[bennet]

Alright, you all keep saying 'just relax'. Please give us suggestions of "relaxable" things to do. I know i would feel so guilty if i spent my whole summer doing nothing. Any suggestions please, anyone?

 

[UNMC2006]

One bit of advice with regards to relaxing. You should try and spend some time with friends who will not be part of your "medical school crowd" Believe me you get close to each other very quickly, and like it or not, you will not be able to spend as much time with others as you would like. Spend time with your family if they are close, they will most likely not get the time that they deserve. You don't have to sit around doing nothing to relax. I also had the jitters before starting medical school, and thought I had to do something "productive". Believe me, you are about to be more productive than you have ever been or ever wanted to be, so take some time out, have some fun, do some traveling, and if you absoloutely must.... do a little light anatomy reading, I wouldn't recommend it, but if you have to feel productive and prepared, perhaps this will ease your mind. Good luck!