Predoctoral Research Grants + Important questions about DERM research

[Transformers]

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Hi guys,

Great news. I landed the opportunity to work at UPenns department of dermatology in a dermatopathology lab after I graduate from undergrad. I sent the professor my resume and a long personal statement and I am just grateful that after a thorough review, he offermed me work in his lab for the 2009-2010 year. The prof mentioned that it would look good on my CV and that it would be a great experience before I embark on an MD/Phd road.

That being said, I think what's been going through my head is a lot of lofty expectations, but I realize I'm not a posdoc/current MD student, yet I would like to accomplish as much as I can this year. I was just hoping what you guys could recommend as realistic expectations I should have. Some of my friends (who are at top 5 medical schools) have been rightfully critical of my decision given that sure it may be #1 in academic research, but don't expect to be published, have a big impact on residency etc... Furthermore, they even advised that perhaps going to a 1 year grad program at a top graduate program in biological sciences would be more fruitful since at least there is a tanglible guarantee that I would obtain something- a degree at the end.

In my position, I am just honored to get the chance to work in a derm lab, let alone UPenns. I really don't expect to get published at all, but hope to be present at as many dermatology research functions/seminars as possible and perhaps, if any tangible end-products can arise, present a poster/oral presentation at the end of my 1 year stint. Furthermore, I only hope that such a foundation will allow me possibly come back and work in the professor's lab during my M1 and M2 summers.

Yet, my MD friends cautioned me that since I am still not in medical school, I ought to at least get something so I can show for myself that its worthwhile that I decided to take this year off before medical school. Even if it may mean applying for a competitive NIH predoctoral grant, that at least shows that I competitively worked hard to obtain a funded position instead of casually volunteering (something I still believe to be an honor) in a UPenn dermatology lab.

I was wondering what your thoughts were as far as what I should realistically look forward to before I commit 100% with this professor. Furthermore, do you have any info on predoctoral grant applications for people wanting to pursue dermatology research?

Thanks.

 

[Dral]

I can give you some research advice. Use the opportunity to carve out your niche in the research world. In other words, figure out what it is you're interested in researching during your career. Unfortunately, I think many medical students who are clinical only track don't really think about what goes into developing a research career.

If you figure that out and can sincerely speak of it during future interviews/conversations, it will make a nice impression. It sounds like research is in your future, so make a huge effort to treat the experience as personal career development, not a stepping stone to get into a school/residency.

When you think of it that way, it makes the experience sound worthwhile, yes?

 

[cancerman51]

do you already have an MD/PhD spot? If so you are 100% insane to defer for a year to work in a lab, when you will probably have to rotate in 2-3 labs before you pick your thesis lab.

I am having trouble understanding why anyone would do a year of research after undergrad if you are med school bound, even worse, if you are md/phd bound.

 

[Transformers]

well, im not 100% sure if ill do the phD to be honest...assume if I only pursue MD, would that be a better opportunity?

Thanks.

 

[dermRus]

If you aren't going to get a publication or a degree and you have other opportunities to do so elsewhere, I would do that instead. If you happen to do your MD or MD/PhD at UPenn itself, it MIGHT be worthwhile...

But let me back up a bit...are you accepted to a MD or a MD/PhD program?

 

[Transformers]

I am not accepted to a program and I would be fresh to start the lab. I mean would it help to work in the lab if I planned on applying to UPenn med? I should definitely have all the ugrad credentials to get in (except i need to take the mcat and do really well next summer)...

I do not have opportunities elsewhere and I am not sure what would be a more fruitful opportunity than the one I had received. Would you recommend applying to non-derm positions with guaranteed grants such as a year at the NIH or National Cancer Institute?

Thanks.

 

[dermRus]

Thanks for clarifying because that does change my position. So, I think you have an opportunity here to make a lasting relationship with a mentor...beware though if they end up just using you for cheap labor (especially if you are unpaid too). Your MD friends are right to worry about what you can show for this year...it actually does make a difference.

Don't get drawn to the glitzy academic ranking if you won't be in a good situation where you can publish. Your chances of publishing really come down to the mentor and good mentors are hard to find...and rare enough that simply going to a highly ranked academic center will not be good enough. I don't want you to get used as cheap labor but I fear that you may get lost in Western Blotting.

We all have advice to dole out but go with your gut after you hear us all out. If you can apply to some other funded research positions, I would do that too to keep your options open.