Summer between 1st and 2nd MS years

[scarlett09]

DH worked that summer between MS1 and MS2.

[lovelight]

My DH did research with a surgeon that summer. He was able to find a stipend (though small) for it so they are out there! Good luck.

[OrionGrad]

DH knew he wanted to go into ortho, so he did research at a hospital with a very competitive ortho program during the summer after MS1. In addition to getting a pub out of it, it also helped get his foot in the door during interview season a couple years down the line. (There was a small stipend, too, although the stipend was paid by a separate organization rather than by the hospital itself.)

[v-girl]

DH was MD/PhD. Summers were research time the whole 9 years. We did take a few vacations, but not many.

[houseelf]

DH was a TA for human anatomy classes to earn some cash and he did a few volunteer surgery and ObGyn rotations to figure out which he liked better.

[madeintaiwan]

DH's research with the orthopod was not paid [it's one of those deals where you should be glad you get to be a part of the research, especially if you get a pub out of it], but his mom was able to hook him up with another research project, which he did receive an hourly wage for [40 hours a week]. Hope he finds something that he'll be happy with.

[Michele]

Russ also did some research and he washed dishes for a lab. Neither was for his desired field (bc he didn't know what it would be at the time) and neither was published.

[KCwife]

DH taught 'Introduction to Medical Science' for the Duke University TiP program.

[GrayMatterWife]

My hubbie matched into a highly competitive surgical residency. He has a PhD that he earned during medical school. It really gave him the edge. A lot of surgical programs at top places like the academic background.

FWIW (which is only my opinion): this is not a question. Do the research. If you can get a small competitive grant for it, that would be even better. If it eventually produces a publication (even if in a "vanity" type--non-peered reviewed--publication), that's best. Honestly, you're going to be competing in the match with people who have academic background like that of my husband (and a lot of other people in his speciality also have either a PhD or significant lab experience).

But, whatever you do, don't "take it easy" or run off to Europe or something. So not hard-core. And these academic surgeon types are hard-core.

[Pollyanna]

FWIW (which is only my opinion): this is not a question. Do the research. If you can get a small competitive grant for it, that would be even better. If it eventually produces a publication (even if in a "vanity" type--non-peered reviewed--publication), that's best. Honestly, you're going to be competing in the match with people who have academic background like that of my husband (and a lot of other people in his speciality also have either a PhD or significant lab experience).

Yep, gotta do the research. My guess is that without it your hubby will have a hard time matching into a competitive residency.

[MrsPotts]

This has helped so much! I'll keep you all updated!

[MrsPotts]

I don't think I updated you all on DHs summer plans! He will actually be heading to South Carolina for the summer and will be working on surgical research! He will be getting paid and be getting housing! It will suck to not have him here this summer, but we eventually want to go south for his residency, so he will make some good contacts! Thanks again for all your advice!

[GrayMatterWife]

From what he has read, he is convinced he has to do research and get another publication to help him with residency. Others in his class are telling him how it is his "last summer" so maybe he should take it easy. What do you all think? What did your other halfs do/are doing during this time?? Thanks in advance!!

He is completely right. The advice he is getting from his classmates is completely wrong (and, to be honest, sounds very "young"). If he wants to get into a competitive ORTHO or plastics program, he should use his free time VERY wisely and constructively--preferably doing research and (hopefully) getting published.

My DH spent every summer doing research. He was a MD-PhD. He got into a top-notch neurosurgical program. He never would have had the opportunities he did without publications.

Congrats on the surgical research this summer!!