Premeds are constantly stressing about “checking boxes” of everything they need to do to get into medical school. While you should not look at your premed experience as “checking boxes,” {more on that in an upcoming post} many premeds struggle with if they need to complete undergrad research and how they can do that.
Do I need research?
Medical schools do not require undergrad research, unless you plan on going the MD/PhD route, but it is good to explore to see if research is something you like doing!
Research experience is also a way to stand out among a sea of similar premed students. Depending on what the particular medical school is looking for, some undergrad research experience may give you a leg up from another applicant.
Your research could also be a topic for conversation during an interview. You are the expert in your research and being able to easily talk about it with an admissions committee will look good for your interview.
In summary, MD/PhD expects research, if you plan on just the MD/DO route, research can possibly give you an advantage.
Okay, so I want to do research, where do I start?
At my college, seniors in the honors program were required to either enroll in a senior seminar class, or participate in an independent research project.
Since I knew it would benefit me in the long run, I chose the research route.
If your school has a program like this, I strongly recommend doing it. I was able to earn 3 credits of biology, work closely with my faculty advisor, and present my project in front of professors and peers.
As with any extracurricular activity, it’s important to track your research hours! Check out my Premed Diary to track all of your important activities to prep for applying to medical school!
My school doesn’t have that, now what?
If your school does not have a program for undergrad student research, start emailing your professors. Look on your university department pages for what each faculty member specializes in researching {this may take some digging!} and email or stop by their office and ask if they are looking for student research assistants.
Any research topic will look good to medical schools, start with topics you are interested in and go from there!
What if no professors are looking for help?
If there are not any research assistant positions available, time to get creative. Ask professors in departments outside of your major, or even outside of the hard sciences.
You could also work as a lab technician. During my research, I worked in the animal care facility and monitored and cared for the gerbils involved in my research project. I gained valuable skills, learned how animals contribute to research and I got paid!
Does my research have to be published?
No! While it’s very cool to have your name on a paper in a scientific journal, undergrad research experience is research experience whether your research is published or not!
Publications start to matter in medical school when you are looking at residency programs. Don’t fret about getting published in undergrad!
Medical schools do not require undergrad research, and if research is going to take time away from clinical experience hours or your studies, don’t sweat it. Research will help set you apart from other applicants, teach you about research methods, and allow you to work closely with a scientist.
What research have you done in undergrad? Stop by my Instagram, @medicineandmoscato, and let me know! Don’t forget to click the button below and share with your friends!
