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Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Indiana University's Premedical: Health Professions and Prelaw Center (HPPLC) Guidebook has a section regarding research experience. They state that while research experience is not a requirement for admission to their medical school, it can certainly enhance your preparation for a career in the medical field. They further describe how participating in research can also help you better understand what you learn in your coursework. Since the science you learn in the classroom comes from research, the more you understand the process of formulating and investigating hypotheses, the more enhanced your learning experience will be.
IU School of Medicine is transparent on its website, saying that even though research experience is not a technical requirement for admission, it is extremely important to gain significant research experience, as your research potential will be weighted heavily in decisions on admission to medical school. Describe your research experience, and be sure your letters of recommendation from your professors highlight your research experience and potential.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"During my last year of college, I was fortunate enough to work with a professor involved in bench research. I assisted my professor with studying cells, genetics, viruses, and bacteria to see how gut bacteria affect protein folding. It was interesting to learn the process and formulate a hypothesis based on our findings. What I found fascinating is how we used a roundworm as a living test tube and identified specific gut bacteria that promoted protein misfolding throughout the body. This information gave new insights into the role of the gut microbiome in muscular and neurodegeneration disorders. I am excited to perform more research as a student and physician."

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Written by Krista Wenz
40 Questions & Answers • Indiana University School of Medicine

By Krista

By Krista