Types of Research

[alynn]

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Hi! I'm really interested in getting research experience. I would prefer to work in a lab for genetics but there are no open positions at my school.. There is an option for me to work in a lab in the psychology department. I was wondering if medical schools look favorably upon research that's not exactly in the 'medical field', in subjects such as psychology? Would I be at a disadvantage?

 

[Barcu]

Type of research doesn't matter much. Med schools look for independence and critical thinking when it comes to evaluating an applicant's research.

 

[QuizzicalApe]

The biggest priority when it comes to research is simply that you've been trained in the general methodology of research - how to be rigorous, reliable, and consistent. The topic of the research will only come into play if you want to continue doing research in a similar field once in medical school and want to leverage your experience to get greater autonomy and responsibility.

 

[HumbleMD]

Take what you can get. The actual content of your research matters very little (almost as little as you'll contribute to the scientific field).

I was a biochem major who did psychology and inorganic chemistry research - neither related to medicine at all. Now I'm preparing for a career in OB/GYN and Epidemiologic research. Don't worry, things can change.

 

[alynn]

Thank you so much for the responses!