Do I Need to do Research to be Competitive for Medical School?
Many pre-med students do research, but it is not mandatory in order to be a successful medical school applicant. It is okay to try research and see if it is something that you enjoy. Schools would like to know that you are at least familiar with scientific methodology and discovery. If you are interested in applying to a MD-PhD program, you will need to start research early in your pre-med journey. If you do not have an interest in research, don’t do it because you think that is what medical school admissions want to see. It is better to be successful and passionate about something else than do a half-hearted job with research.
Does it Matter the Focus of My Research?
Schools want to know that you are familiar with and comfortable with research methodology, so the focus of your research is less important. That being said, basic or medical science research is sometimes valued more than research in the social sciences. But it is how you can speak to your understanding of the research process that matters more than the subject of your research for MD candidates.
How Much Time Should I Spend Doing Research?
This depends on the type of work you are doing and how you can fit it in with your other studies. The time you spend will vary between a full-time summer position and working in the lab during the school year. You will need to understand the time commitment of the lab and your position in it and plan accordingly. You should speak to your PI about the amount of time they reasonably expect/anticipate, and the amount of time you can provide to the lab.
How Do I Get Involved in Research as a Student?
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) will help students find topics that are of interest to them, mentors or labs, and give advice as to how to connect.
Students who participate in research must get academic credit or get paid to do so. Academic credit is provided through the Bio 200/500 Undergraduate Independent Research Course which also has a link to providing resources for finding mentors, writing proposals, papers, and presentations as well as other useful links. Opportunities for students to work on research projects during the summer are listed at Summer Research Opportunities – Washington University in St. Louis. They include the Advanced Summer Program for Investigations and Research Education (ASPIRE), Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program (cancer care research), Emergency Medicine and Emergency Care Research Guided Experience (EMERGE), WUSTL ENDURE (neuroscience), and the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Research Associates Program (PEMRAP).