Hello all,
I have a question about research. I have been unable to volunteer/work in a lab this school year, but the opportunity to do some environmental research (pretty much non-lab) has risen; would med schools see this non-lab research as research at all? Or would they see it as another EC? The enviro research may eventually lead to lab work but I am not sure yet. Any input would be much appreciated, thanks.
Non lab research is perfectly acceptable - all clinical research is done outside a lab. By environmental research do you mean studying something like plant growth or rain patterns? Any valuable research experience is better than no research but if the connection to medicine isn’t obvious be ready to explain it in your application and interviews.
@iwannabe_Brown Thanks! Its about studying the effects of idling vehicles on the environment and human health, so I’m not entirely sure if there is a meaningful connection to medicine (besides the human health aspect, although I am not sure how far we are going to dive into it).
Or not. D1 did medium energy particle research for 3-4 years in undergrad. She was not asked once about her research experience at any of her med school (or residency) interviews. She had a great explanation to connect her research to medicine, but never got a chance to share it. Her theory: no one she interviewed with had the slightest understanding what her research topic was even about.
@seaotter17 The human health aspect is a great way to connect it to medicine–even if the project doesn’t drive the research entirely in that direction.
@WayOutWestMom Thanks!
@WayOutWestMom I think you posted a quote from another post. I can’t find that in OP’s post and it doesn’t really seem to fit.
I agree that your research sounds fine.