gimme a break 6801
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 3
(12/8/01 1:30:11 pm)
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Quick research question
I am a M-1 and meeting with our research coordinator next week. I know it would be good to do some
research, but I definitely do not want to attempt to get into something too deep. What type or research
should I try and attempt to get into that looks good for ortho., but is not going to consume my entire
four years. Thanks for any responses.
IamNikolas
OSRR Fellow
Posts: 84
(12/8/01 2:46:05 pm)
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research
any kind would probably help you...it's important that it's in ortho because it shows interest in the field.
There are so many different types of projects you can get involved with that it's hard to comment on
which would be better.
From my own experience, retrospective studies are more time-consuming because as a med student,
you'll probably be doing endless chart reviews, which isn't very pleasant. you really won't have much time
after summer between first and second year. Try to work in a lab with animals if this is a possibilty...it's a
great experience...but can be challenging.
It's important to meet with an orthopedic surgeon who is involved in research and ask him what kind of
projects you can work on. Is this research coordinator a basic science researcher? Remember, when
you're selecting a project, you have 2 goals in mind: 1. get a good project and 2. establish contacts with
orthopedic surgeons and residents. If you work in a lab all summer and not interact with any orthopods,
you'd be short-changing yourself. Get involved in a project with a willing attending who'll let you shadow
him and observe a few procedures over the summer as well.
Funny Bones
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 2
(12/8/01 3:40:42 pm)
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research
A few issues to consider:
1. Type of research and length of committment
It's hard to make an informed decision as a first year but consider whether you want to do a) clinical
research b) biomechanical/engineering reaserch or c) molecular research. All three have exciting aspects
and are still growing in depth and breadth. Try to figure out what you find most interesting taking into
account what is available at your institution as choice c) may be difficult to find.
A summer project followed up by occasional work during classes/clinics can work well IF you have a
organized mentor and a discrete well thought out project. Otherwise, forget it. Is this a resume builder
or do you have a genuine interest? If the latter, consider taking a year out and/or doing something more
substantial especially if you're thinking of staying in academics or applying to the top "academic"
programs.
2. Goals of the research
Three main things: build up CV, make contacts/get LOR (a chance to get to know faculty for longer than
a 1 mo rotation!), and importantly, learn how to do AND interpret research (even if you're not going to
be DOing it yourself later). Ortho has been quite competitive for a while now and although you still
"need" great scores and grades they don't help you stand out unless they are absolutely phenomenal.
Doing good meaningful research (not just the case report or two to show you put in an effort) is a way
for you to try to stand out. Just in case it's not clear though, you still need the grades and scores (with
a few minor exceptions).
3. Type of mentor
Personally, I would pick someone who actually has the interest and TIME to discuss with you and advise
you on the project at length. Someone who you think will really be a mentor versus just an advice giver:
will write you a personal letter, make advocating phone calls for you if needed, as well as general
advising. See where previous students have matched or if they had first author pubs.
All in all, its good that you're starting to look early. It can be difficult to consider EVERYTHING at this
point. Find a good guy doing something intersting and if it doesn't work out all that well, you have
another couple years to find something new...
gimme a break 6801
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 4
(12/8/01 3:59:24 pm)
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Re: Quick research question
Thanks, for the responses. I have a few connections with some orthopods at Campbell's, and recently
talked to an education coordinator there who said she has a few residents needing some help with
projects, although pretty minor involvement for the moment. Of the docs I worked with, I never really
knew who was doing any research, so the connections are a little thin there in that aspect. I really would
prefer clinical over academic research. I meet with our NIH coordinator next week to try and find a project
with someone. Do you think it's best to try and go through him, or should I attempt to deal with the
education coor. at Campbell's to try and find a project there?
IamNikolas
OSRR Fellow
Posts: 85
(12/8/01 8:06:52 pm)
Reply
re:
I totally agree with Funny Bones about everything he said except taking a year off to do research. I think
that is best done as a resident. Unless you do something pretty damn special during that year (publish
at least 2 or 3 worthwhile projects, which isn't always a guarantee), all it does is raise red flags...and you
don't want those. Taking a year to do research as a resident will be more meaningul too because how
much orthopedics do you really know as a med student?
