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I know that more is always better, but could somebody provide some estimates on what an appropriate number of research publications is to be considered a moderately competitive applicant?
I don't think anyone can say this for sure. I've seen people with like 1 or 2 publications (but had great board scores, top of the class, AOA) and those with many publications (and lacking in other areas on their app). With people doing things that run the entire gamut: review articles, book chapters, case reports, original manuscripts, and/or basic science research, it really runs the whole gamut. The important thing is you need to be able to talk about what you did passionately and effectively.I know that more is always better, but could somebody provide some estimates on what an appropriate number of research publications is to be considered a moderately competitive applicant?
I know that more is always better, but could somebody provide some estimates on what an appropriate number of research publications is to be considered a moderately competitive applicant?
Yes, forgot that too. Just bc you worked hard to get 10 case reports done, doesn't mean it will get appreciated on the other side as case reports are the easiest thing to accomplish. You could get 1 case report done over a weekend, honestly.You also have to consider the nature of the publication. 10 case reports looks prolific but most programs prefer quality over quantity.
Agreed, my program actually looks down upon those with large numbers of case reports for those reasons.I have this massive bias against case reports (though I did two). I will say that neither case report ever came up in my interviews because:
(1) you finish them over the weekend
(2) I guess people may read it; it will never get cited
I vow never to do another one again. I think programs that rank candidates based on case reports have an incredibly flawed ranking system. I would argue that having a more longitudinal project that you can talk about at length, have a letter of rec that supports your work (even if unpublished) would serve you better in the interview process.
Many of my co-interviewers earned interviews at all the top places with unpublished work but a strong LOR. My advice are that case reports never really help you. If you have the time to do 3 or 4 in the next 6 or 8 weeks, you should take on something more meaningful.
I wonder if its also bc they also have the class rank and scores to back it up as well.In a landscape where many use cutoffs, many skin the personal statement, and give the rationale that there has to be some way to cull through the pile of applications: you better believe that they are skimming your pubs and just counting. Writing only case reports is not helpful at all but having a few among other publications actually can work well if you are focus on diversified pubs. If you can get your count to 5 it shows commitment, 10 is great, 15 is stellar, 20 is outstanding, and 30+ is just over the top (yes, there are few with that count and they typically interview all over).
Yeah, I think I've seen it all: MD/PhD, MD/JD, MD/MPH, MD/MBA, MD/Masters in Research, etc.Agree DermViser, gotta have the class rank and scores as well to have a stellar application - or a an amazing graduate degree.
If you can get your count to 5 it shows commitment, 10 is great, 15 is stellar, 20 is outstanding, and 30+ is just over the top (yes, there are few with that count and they typically interview all over).
is it better to publish in a clinical journal like JAAD or JAMA Derm or a basic science journal like JID?