Why Research?

[Agent Splat]

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I tried a search on this but the topic seems so broad I couldn't find exactly what I'm looking for...so here's my question...Why is research such a big deal for medical school? From here it seems like that's the thing to do if you want a really good chance of getting accepted somewhere.

 

[ih8biochem]

Medical schools often get ranked by how much research grants they're able to get. This may also be a major source of funding for growth and stuff. If you're an excellent researcher and able to comand hefty grants, than you help to medical school lots.

 

[automaton]

because research is what separates doctors from the technicians. do you think a radiation therapist will ever come up with a cure for cancer? no way in hell buddy. a nurse? nope. a doctor? a phd? aka someone who does research? probably.

 

[Friendly]

Medical schools often get ranked by how much research grants they're able to get. This may also be a major source of funding for growth and stuff. If you're an excellent researcher and able to comand hefty grants, than you help to medical school lots.

This won't apply to undergraduates/new graduates (who make up the bulk of applicants) - they simply don't have enough experience in research to influence the adcoms, and certainly not enough to secure a grant. Bottom line: if you are not an MSTP applicant, research just counts as another extracurricular for undergrad. applicants, and maybe only a bonus if they get their name on an abstract or paper.

 

[rockit]

Doing research also improves your knowledge in an area. A good research experience is valuable, but it's hard to define the nebulous boost it gives to your profile.

 

[bigbaubdi]

As a doc, even if you don't plan to do research, you should be familiar with the latest research findings, especially in your specialty.

 

[leechy]

This won't apply to undergraduates/new graduates (who make up the bulk of applicants) - they simply don't have enough experience in research to influence the adcoms, and certainly not enough to secure a grant. Bottom line: if you are not an MSTP applicant, research just counts as another extracurricular for undergrad. applicants, and maybe only a bonus if they get their name on an abstract or paper.

Rumor has it that high ranking schools put a greater emphasis on research than other med schools... so if you want to be super-competitive, it might be something to do. On the other hand, I've known people to get into top schools without any research.

 

[Anka]

Research is yet another thing you can do to distinguish yourself, and attaining a publication is an accomplishment that people understand and can evaluate. It's a particularly favorable sign if you're going into academic medicine, where research will be an integral part of your future career; therefore, schools who pride themselves on placing their students into academic residencies then academic professorships, it's important. Is it the golden road to medical school? Probably not. The most important things you need to worry about are test scores and grades.

As far as automaton's insinuation that nurses and technicians don't do research, it's patently absurd. Most nurses and techs don't, for precisly the same reasons they went into the field in the first place -- it's not what they are about. But nursing research is an important field, and some of the most important research in such things as bedsores (a 5 billion dollar a year cost) and cross cultural communication are researched quite intensively at the research nursing schools. I know an echo tech who is often second author on major clinical research studies -- he's not 'just a tech', as they say. So don't let the MD get to your head before you get it -- medicine and research are both TEAM efforts, and if you're so darn set on being IN CHARGE, you're gonna hurt your team and ultimately the patient.

Anka