10-27-2009, 08:25 AM
Research experience is not useful for getting LORs....however, research will improve ur resume. For ex, if a PD is considering 2 candidates for residency & both of them have similar scores, USCE, etc.....but if only one of them has research experience, preference will be given to him. Also, generally not all research experience is given importance during interviews. Only those ppl, who are able to publish at least 1 paper in a journal are considered.
LORs should be earned through either externship or observership, i.e something that shows that u have had experience in US hospital settings (something that Research experience cannot offer). While the former has much greater value, it is very difficult or almost impossible to get into it. So, most of the IMGs go for observership.
Research experience is optional, intended to strengthen ur resume, while externships or observerships are mandatory. However, research experience might be really useful if ur planning to apply for highly competitive specialities like Pathology, Surgery, Orthopedics, etc
LORs should be earned through either externship or observership, i.e something that shows that u have had experience in US hospital settings (something that Research experience cannot offer). While the former has much greater value, it is very difficult or almost impossible to get into it. So, most of the IMGs go for observership.
Research experience is optional, intended to strengthen ur resume, while externships or observerships are mandatory. However, research experience might be really useful if ur planning to apply for highly competitive specialities like Pathology, Surgery, Orthopedics, etc