Undergraduate Research for DO schools (and MD schools)

[DestructZero]

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Right now I'm looking into becoming a DO, but I'm not sure how research for medical schools goes. Do all DO schools (and MD schools) require research that was done in a laboratory?

The reason I ask is that I'm interested in doing research, but more along the lines of Health Care, Cultural practices in medicine, etc. As part of a major requirement, I have to conduct research and the research done is normally not the kind in a lab. Most is focused on Preventive Medicine and finding factors that contribute to disease or health.

Also, I'm trying to double major in an American Studies program, but I need 4 more free units under that program to be able to do so. I'm thinking about taking two 2-unit semesters of research with American Studies to study health-related topics in different areas of the United States. But I'm still wondering if US med schools will be okay with that kind of research.

Sorry if my question seems a bit strange. I didn't know how to phrase it exactly. Anyway, is this research acceptable? Or should I find research that could be done in a laboratory instead?

 

[Cp22kjer]

I think you're fine with that.

My research had nothing in common with medicine.

If anything this could help you by standing out. My research was discussed in two interviews and I believe it helped me due to being different. Working in a lab is not essential in my opinion, just be able to discuss your work and know what you're talking about when the time comes.

 

[RySerr21]

Right now I'm looking into becoming a DO, but I'm not sure how research for medical schools goes. Do all DO schools (and MD schools) require research that was done in a laboratory?

The reason I ask is that I'm interested in doing research, but more along the lines of Health Care, Cultural practices in medicine, etc. As part of a major requirement, I have to conduct research and the research done is normally not the kind in a lab. Most is focused on Preventive Medicine and finding factors that contribute to disease or health.

Also, I'm trying to double major in an American Studies program, but I need 4 more free units under that program to be able to do so. I'm thinking about taking two 2-unit semesters of research with American Studies to study health-related topics in different areas of the United States. But I'm still wondering if US med schools will be okay with that kind of research.

Sorry if my question seems a bit strange. I didn't know how to phrase it exactly. Anyway, is this research acceptable? Or should I find research that could be done in a laboratory instead?

Firstly, there is no research requirement when applying to med school (unless you are trying to apply to MD(DO)/PhD programs in which it case it might not be "required" is but definitely a MUST have). Sure it can help out your application but i doubt someone has ever been rejected b/c they didnt do research.

Secondly, the research you are doing will be fine and actually sounds very interesting. Last summer I did reseasrch in preventive medicine as well, so I wasnt in the lab. Instead, I was doing a lot of lit review and I was helping out with ongoing projects in the clinic. To me that is way mor einteresting than being in a biochem lab or something.

Adcoms won't care what kind of research you do (or for that mater what kind of volunteering, work, or shadowing tha tyou do). They just want to see you doing something that you enjoy and that you can take something from. It will be far more interesting to talk to someone doing non-lab research who is passionat about their work than to talk to someone who is working in a lab to impress other people but is actually miserable and not gaining anything from it. You know?

 

[EricH]

You're probably fine. I did for credit Chem research and the adcoms ate it up (came up at every interview).

 

[DestructZero]

Oh, sweet. Thanks everyone! 🙂