How important is it to publish during your time at medical school?

Abstract

Dear Caroline How important is it to publish during your time at medical school? Aaron Dale, second year graduate entry medical student, University of Oxford Caroline replies . . . In professional life—whether as a doctor or a psychologist—it is vital that you are clear about the limits of your knowledge. So when this question landed in my inbox, although I had a few thoughts, I wanted to garner the opinion of an academic clinician who would have a much more nuanced understanding of the key issues. The old adage “if you want to get something done, ask a busy person” came to mind, so I emailed Jeremy Levy, consultant nephrologist, director of clinical academic training for Imperial College Academic Health science centre and clinical lead for Health Education North West London (among many other responsibilities). As expected—he came up …