Hello, I'm a MSI really interested in urology. I have a few issues though. I don't have a home program and the urologists affiliated are mostly DO's. I am doing really well in my first year classes and understand that I need to get a solid score on the USMLE. But what about everything else? I will be participating in NIH Urology Summer Research at a George O'Brien Center which is bench research, however I'm afraid that I may not be able to get a publication/abstract. I may be able to continue the project into the second year since it's fairly close to my medical school, but won't be able to commit much time to it during the year. My question for everyone is how can I really make myself stand out as an applicant. What are some truly interesting activities that you have partcipated in that really came out during your interview? What is the best way to find a potential mentor and connections for shadowing/research at other institutions? How many away rotations should I do? Thank you in advance!
before you commit a ton of time and effort, make sure urology is right for you. shadow some urologists and see if you really like it. you have tons of time. it's easier to get publications out of clinical projects than basic science projects. work with people with a track record of success. if a potential research mentor hasn't published much, consider working with someone else. often high power people have connections that make it easier for them to get papers accepted.
You are way too ahead of yourself. Just enjoy the ride. Don't do things that you don't want to do just to "look good".I'm not into philanthropy or being the class historian. I'd rather play video games, play golf, and spend time with my wife/parents/siblings/friends/people who aren't sick.I didn't know what the word urology even meant until my third year (true). When I became interested in uro during fall of MS3, I contacted the department chair and PD and some other attendings asking about research I could get involved in. Eventually the chair responded weeks later out of the blue, and I was able to get in on the some lame research. I did some scut stuff and got my name on an unimpressive paper with minimal effort on my part. I did two away rotations at programs in cities I'd want to live in. I don't care about brand name, I wanted to find somewhere where my wife and I would be happy and close to our families.My step 1 was urology average (230s), my step 2 was good (260s). I can't even spell AOA.Absolutely nothing about my application was interesting. It was downright boring. My research background is probably the only thing that stands out, and 99% of it was in undergrad.I did 2 away rotations.I matched at my #1 program.Best of luck to you. I laid out my story just to show you that you don't have to be fake to have a good match. Do things you enjoy, it will show during your interview. I had a number of interviewers point out during my interviews that they could sense my passion and sincerity for the research I did in undergrad (which I absolutely loved).