Year Off After 2nd and Residency

[prostate]

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I am considering taking a year off after completing my second year. I have applied for a fulbright scholarship which basically funds a research project for one year. my first question is that can i eventually apply in to a residency unrelated to what i do during my year off? will i have to explain why i did this to residencdy programs?
secondly, if i do not get the award, i was considering going abroad to do some language studies. i will probably not do anything realted to meidicine. will this drastically affect my chances of residency?

thanks!

 

[edinOH]

Since your year off would be for an academic pursuit, and a prestigious one at that, I doubt it would hurt you at all. If anything it would help you stand out in a positive way.

 

[prostate]

ok, so if i do research abroad in psychology and then later decide to apply for a residency unrelated to psych like radiology, it would not hurt? i just have a feelling i might just have to explain to them why i did that.
thanks for your help!

 

[Winged Scapula]

ok, so if i do research abroad in psychology and then later decide to apply for a residency unrelated to psych like radiology, it would not hurt? i just have a feelling i might just have to explain to them why i did that.
thanks for your help!

It might be very possible that you would have to "explain" why you took the time off and studied a field unrelated to your future career. I assume you have already figured out the answer to that question.

Frankly, I wouldn't worry about it - if the field is something medically related, it really isn't a problem at all; if its distantly related but you come back to your clinical years and perform well, I would also imagine that it falls under the category of "improving yourself" and "broadening your horizons".

 

[prostate]

Thanks!
One final question. My research is related to a politically sensitive issue. I intend to do psychology research on Palestinians in refugee camps. Should I worry about the negative reaction I might get from this?