Hi all. I’d really appreciate if you could provide some advice for me regarding my options for research. I’m asking here because I feel that many people here have more experience than I do so I would really like to hear your inputs.

I’m a upcoming MS-II in an MD program at a mid-upper tier school, and I know that I want to go into neurosurgery. I have been working with the department on some clinical research (nothing big, just some case reports and stuff). I have an opportunity to get into some basic science research with a resident in the department but I’m not sure if it’s the best option right now. I’m very interested, but time is an issue. If I don’t go into that lab, I want to try and get more involved in original clinical research. Ideally, I would like to do both, but again, time is what is worrying me. The boards at my school are in march, and the PI and resident has made it clear that they will expect me to go in everyday if I join.

I know there’s a lot of factors that I need to consider, but what I basically would like to ask is what you would choose in this situation and why. Thanks a lot in advance for your help.

I would not jeopardize your board scores. You’re an MS1 with lots of time left. You’re already involved in the department with some clinical research projects. If you think you can join this lab and continue to be a successful med student, go for it. If you’re a “middle of the road” medical student and have any concerns about balancing your medical school and step 1 studies with lab time, just wait for the research. You can always do more research. (You can even take a year off and do research, if it really bothers you.) You don’t get a redo on step 1. Plus, heading into the MS3 and MS4 years with a big step 1 and a broad knowledge base, makes shelf exams and your clinical rotations that much easier. I’m not saying don’t do research. It’s important, and you’re already doing some. Step 1 is key. If you’ve struggled in your first year or you don’t have a great record on standardized exams, don’t spread yourself too thin.

Agree with erhoid, you already seem to have some contacts and some projects.  Don’t blow second year or step 1.