After Abraham Flexner, known as the father of modern medical education, reviewed the quality of medical schools in the early 1900s, many reforms were initiated to improve the quality of medical schools. One of his proposals that is still highly regarded today was the idea of students participating in scientific research.
Some would say that the medical applicants who did the research were one step ahead, or several steps ahead.
From an admissions committee’s perspective, applicants’ interest in research is a valuable quality, even for admissions committees in schools that do not consider themselves research schools. Curiosity and inquisitiveness are what keep medicine and healthcare workers from stagnation.
As a frequent white-coat attender, I often hear deans bragging about their freshmen’s research achievements before starting their first day in medical school.
Students who combine curiosity and hard work are more attractive candidates. These students are likely to go the extra mile in many endeavors. They have demonstrated tenacity and perseverance. These are the necessary qualities of medicine, even if research seems boring to an outsider.
Research is highly valued in prestigious schools. Without a research background, some applicants will be screened out in interviews, even if they have good grades and a solid MCAT score. However, students with a research background may be viewed by members of the admissions committee as being curious and willing to think creatively.
If a student has been working with a research team long enough, they may be given responsibility for a derivative project, perhaps from a question posed to the principal investigator. I would like to emphasize that I am given such a great opportunity in my application form and letter of recommendation to my doctor.
A former undergraduate student I mentored did well at graduation, but did poorly in the MCAT. She continued her research for the next two years with a team of scientists and clinicians selected for her leadership skills and her reputation for being productive in her papers and presentations.
All team members were encouraged to think outside the box and find ways to collaborate across disciplines. Students have grown tremendously from their work and connections with team member projects.
Research was her top priority, and she took responsibility for all the tasks assigned to her. She worked as long and hard as the postdocs and medical students in the group and proved her worth to her team. She has co-authored multiple papers and posters.
Thanks to her efforts, the principal investigator arranged to pay for her to attend a major symposium in Switzerland. As far as I know, she was the only presenter at the conference who only had a bachelor’s degree. When she applied to medical school that summer, she had an excellent letter of recommendation and a faculty member calling her interviewer on her behalf. Her medical school, which accepted her, determined that she was mature and had a work ethic that would put her at the top of her class.
That’s true, she applied for a residency and won an interview for a top program in her field. I was so proud when she contacted me about how she wanted to rank the program. Two of her top guys reached out to her and tried to win her favor. She accepted her first choice and became a star at a highly competitive medical center.
Medical school applicants should make early contact with medical centers that offer a variety of programs. For example, the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio offers a Summer Her program for high school seniors and her seniors to observe the work of clinicians and researchers. Many other medical centers offer similar opportunities.
In such programs, students may make connections that will be useful later in life. Due to changes in compliance regulations, high school hands-on activities may not be allowed as much as they used to be, but you can start building a network for future contact.
If you’re an undergraduate, there are plenty of research positions where you’ll have time to take courses in federal compliance and research ethics to do the actual research work. Ask people to identify their best mentors and meet them in person when they step in the door. Check papers and abstracts for clues as to who accepts more trainees. Tell these lead investigators that you want to work with them, even if you don’t get paid.
Another option is to find out if an undergraduate professor has a research project you could work on. If not, your professor may refer you to a colleague at the university or elsewhere. A timid student must overcome hesitation to seek this kind of help. Professors recognize students who want more investment.
The best chances never fall into your lap. you have to find them. See what options you can find and think about what interests you. If you’re passionate about the topic, you’ll be more engaged, more motivated, and more proactive. The result is a better experience and more likely that others will perceive you as investing in the project.
The more effort you put into it, the more coaching your team will focus on. Even if posters and papers aren’t included in the bargain, you’ll get a worthwhile addition to your medical school application, new networks, and a great reference letter.
Some medical school admissions boards accept all kinds of hypothetical research. Basic sciences, clinical studies, humanities studies, etc. are accepted by many schools. Reviewers will be interested in your thoughtful description of your research and your enthusiasm for your research team and project.
This cannot be ignored. Insinuating that you didn’t like the team or project, or worse, complaining about it, may sound like you’re not really interested in scientific research. If you didn’t pick the right project, or you didn’t have the option to find the right one, now is not the time to complain.
If you are lucky enough to put it on paper or on a poster, it becomes another feather. Volunteer to help out with other projects that may provide such opportunities. If you’re looking for a way to stand out from other medical school applicants, strongly consider research. If you can start early, do so. If you can keep working with a good team for many years, you get a big advantage.
I’ve seen great projects come out of students who’ve worked with a professor for a few hours each week for a few years, or who’ve stayed on a research team over the summer. There is no one way, the world is just full of opportunities.