What is the benefit of a "Distinction in Research"?

[seelee]

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I searched and couldn't find a related thread that answered my question. Also, not sure if this is the best forum, but any info would be appreciated.

I have been accepted to a school that offers a "distinction in research". I have done a fair amount of research in undergrad including being first author on a paper. However, I don't want to do MD/PhD because I want to do clinical work primarily and I don't see a desire to do research on a regular basis (not enough to justify and additional three years in school).

Is there any professional benefit to obtaining a distinction in research? Is it just bragging rights or does it carry some weight if I wanted to go into academia at some point?

 

[JDWflash44]

I want to do clinical work primarily and I don't see a desire to do research on a regular basis

Why get a distinction in research if you don't plan on doing research? It doesn't really mean anything, but it's the extra training that you get in research that will make you a better researcher, if you plan on doing this as part of your career.

 

[seelee]

Why get a distinction in research if you don't plan on doing research? It doesn't really mean anything, but it's the extra training that you get in research that will make you a better researcher, if you plan on doing this as part of your career.

If getting a distinction in research would give the the opportunity, then it would be another option. I enjoy research, but I prefer clinical work. However, things change and having the option would be nice. So my question is, if at some point in the future I decided to start doing research, or applied for an academic position which involved research, would a M.D. with a distinction in research be sufficient? If not, then what benefit would it provide? Better pay, better residency?

 

[lord_jeebus]

Probably no benefit beyond the research itself.

 

[BrainBuff]

It is just like graduating with Honors, or being in the Honors Program, etc. You will have it on your record, and you will feel good about it. Will it make you more competitive for residency programs? Yes- Derm and Plastics.

 

[Upgrayedd]

It is a resume bullet that generally falls far far far below your Step I, class rank, and preceptor LOR's.

If you've everything else lined up, then it's a nice touch.

 

[usatina8]

I'm glad you've asked this because I had the same question. It seemed to me like a good idea, but I was unsure how residency programs viewed it. For instance, what if you research is in a different area then the residency program you apply for? Would that count against you?

 

[DoctorDeMan]

The opportunity for getting publications is the benefit of the research distinction. I doubt the actual thing on your diploma matters.

 

[virusgirl]

I'm in no position to comment on how helpful such a "distinction" would be, but I can attest that it might sort of create an image of the OP that he/she doesn't want. I don't have any official distinction from my school about my research, but it's clear on my application that I have a lot of research experience, and I've been asked more than once why I'm not applying MD/PhD. Like the OP, I simply don't want to do research anymore -- it was fun, I did a lot of it, I got publications, and now I'm done and ready for clinical work. But if you clearly have a strong research background, you will turn some heads if you don't have a strong desire to continue with research. So I guess my advice would be to avoid distinctions that highlight you as a researcher, if a researcher is not what you want to be.

 

[seelee]

I'm in no position to comment on how helpful such a "distinction" would be, but I can attest that it might sort of create an image of the OP that he/she doesn't want. I don't have any official distinction from my school about my research, but it's clear on my application that I have a lot of research experience, and I've been asked more than once why I'm not applying MD/PhD. Like the OP, I simply don't want to do research anymore -- it was fun, I did a lot of it, I got publications, and now I'm done and ready for clinical work. But if you clearly have a strong research background, you will turn some heads if you don't have a strong desire to continue with research. So I guess my advice would be to avoid distinctions that highlight you as a researcher, if a researcher is not what you want to be.

Interesting point.

 

[takeittothetop]

I'm in no position to comment on how helpful such a "distinction" would be, but I can attest that it might sort of create an image of the OP that he/she doesn't want. I don't have any official distinction from my school about my research, but it's clear on my application that I have a lot of research experience, and I've been asked more than once why I'm not applying MD/PhD. Like the OP, I simply don't want to do research anymore -- it was fun, I did a lot of it, I got publications, and now I'm done and ready for clinical work. But if you clearly have a strong research background, you will turn some heads if you don't have a strong desire to continue with research. So I guess my advice would be to avoid distinctions that highlight you as a researcher, if a researcher is not what you want to be.

I believe the OP is discussing a research distinction during medical school, not during undergrad. I can't imagine that completing a research distinction during medical school could create a negative image... other than overachiever 🙂

 

[CCLCMer]

It depends on what you want to do. Academic med schools prefer college kids like you who did research. Academic residencies prefer med students who did research, especially in competitive specialties. But if you want to be a full-time clinician in a non-competitive specialty, then there's no pressing reason to do research in med school unless you just want to.

Just so you know, if it's my school you're asking about, you have the option to get an MD/MS by taking a few extra classes. Several of us are doing that. You could also do clinical research if you don't want to do bench research. Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions that you don't want to post publicly.