How much more research should I shoot for?

[Guest]

Hi, I’m an M2 and am wondering how much more research productivity I should aim for during M3. My current Neurosurgery-specific research tally is 1 pub (3rd author, though), 3 abstracts, 2 posters, and a book chapter. I also have 2 abstracts and a poster from previous oncology research.

The data set from my only pub can/will realistically be able to squeeze out 1 or 2 more decent papers from it, but beyond that, how much more do you think I need to have a chance to match (assuming I have competitive clinical grades and Step 2)? I’m not shooting for a top-tier program by any means—I actually just want to match at any program in Texas.

Other possibly relevant details:
-Student at mid-tier school with a home program (but not in TX)
-Unscored Step 1 (taken after Pass/fail)
-Female applicant

Thanks!

[CommunicatingAqueduct]

(04-07-2022, 08:22 PM)Guest Wrote: Hi, I’m an M2 and am wondering how much more research productivity I should aim for during M3. My current Neurosurgery-specific research tally is 1 pub (3rd author, though), 3 abstracts, 2 posters, and a book chapter. I also have 2 abstracts and a poster from previous oncology research.

The data set from my only pub can/will realistically be able to squeeze out 1 or 2 more decent papers from it, but beyond that, how much more do you think I need to have a chance to match (assuming I have competitive clinical grades and Step 2)? I’m not shooting for a top-tier program by any means—I actually just want to match at any program in Texas.

Other possibly relevant details:
-Student at mid-tier school with a home program (but not in TX)
-Unscored Step 1 (taken after Pass/fail)
-Female applicant

Thanks!

You might be interested in a couple recent publications on this topic (regarding how much research does one need?)

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31675693/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32014543/