Research vs. Design Experience?

i currently work as an engineer for a ortho company and am an M2. by the time i graduate, a product for which i was the #2 guy (primary&rev TKA system w/ novel articular surface & AP/ML ratio modification for non-WASPs) will be on the market.

compared to a research paper how does that look on a CV and does it give me a leg up, especially if im looking at DO programs?

i dont want to look like a know-it-all jerk by bring it up, should i at all?

I can see where that could seem abrasive. I would say spending time with the program director of as many programs as possible would be the most important thing. Working in design is great, but as you allude to I would rather they ask about it rather than bring it up.

Whats going to get your interviewed is 1)that they know you and like you and 2) grades. We all know from college that there's only so much you can do about grades, so do your best and let it go. If you have effort to spend, spend it getting known. Rotate with as many programs as possible, as early as possible. This will maximize your chances.

Whether (or if) you did design work or research work probably won't sway them one way or the other.


Best of luck.