gimme a break 6801 OSRR Newbie Posts: 3 (12/8/01 1:30:11 pm) Reply 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) Reply 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) Reply 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) Reply 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?