Most of us have seen them but sometimes it is hard to recognize them before it is too late. The “interesting case” that can never be published as a case report because its subject matter is too banal is probably one of the more common examples of bad projects at medical schools. Yes, education is a journey and you have probably learned something while writing and researching a case report that has now been rejected by 5 journals. However, one may wonder if that time and effort could have been better spent if another project had been undertaken instead. Worse yet is a nebulous thought that when converted into a formal research project never has a direction and never ends. These are all examples of bad projects. Here is a recent video link from Houston about their frustrations with a “bad project” that has gone viral on the internet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl4L4M8m4d0
How do you avoid bad projects? This is definitely an academic skill! Start first with the track record for project completion and publication record of your potential mentor/supervisor. If he/she publishes frequently in the area of the proposed research, chances are you are not looking at a “bad project.”
The University of Texas Medical Branch Dermatology Interest Group (UTMB DIG) is a resource for medical students interested in Dermatology as well as for dermatologists and residents.
Editors
Current Editors: Jane Onyemachi and Madelyn Schmidt
(Please email editors if there is blog-worthy news that you would like to see shared)
Past Editors: Fareen Momin, Andrea Francis, Renat Ahatov, Michael Phan, Elise Weisert, Michael Ryan, Keith Wagner, Tim Allen, Kristyna Gleghorn, Dung Mac, Alex Acosta, William Tausend, Sheila Jalalat, Rebecca Philips, Chelsea Altinger, Lindsey Hunter, Alison Wiesenthal, Leslie Scroggins, Mara Dacso, Ashley Group, Fadi Constantine, Emily Fridlington, Joslyn Witherspoon, Tasneem Poonawalla.