Advice regarding the right research lab

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

<p>I hope this is an appropriate forum to post in; </p>

<p>First my goals: I'm looking towards a PhD/MD or just an MD program with clinical/ biomedical research in mind.</p>

<p>My dilemma is between a choice of two research groups at my school: </p>

<p>With one, the PI (chemistry department) is renowned and having a great recommendation from him would carry more weight; however his research focuses on organic synthesis and what I would be doing is synthesis, which is somewhat unrelated to my future goals as a medical scientist. Moreover, there is a bit of an unstated assumption that undergrads in the department are all going to PhD programs. While many go for MDs, I feel that they are generally somewhat frowned upon (especially in this group I am considering).</p>

<p>On the other hand, I could work with a PI from the medical school at my college; while he isn't as well known as the former, his research is pertinent to my interests and his smaller group is more personable in my opinion.</p>

<p>Any advice?</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Which interests you more? Sounds like you would prefer to go with the MD.</p>

<p>Also, it is not super likely that a chemist is going to be recognized by a medical adcom unless he is REALLY up there.</p>

3

<p>I’d go with the second group.</p>

4

<p>Go where you’ll enjoy it. Unless you’re just a genius and earn a nobel, what specific project you work on is much less important than the experience of working in a lab.</p>

5

<p>Go to the one that’s going get you more publications. From friends experience it greatly helps if you are pursuing M.D. / PhD .</p>

<p>Or go to the one that’s more interesting. </p>

<p>I wouldn’t choose it based on the potential LOR.</p>