Research Experience?

[flycstr]

Anyone want to comment on the importance of having prior research experience when applying to medical school? I am a non-traditional applicant (teacher) who will be applying with no previous research experience. Should I be concerned about trying to get something under my belt for the application? If so, any suggestions on how I could go about it would be appreciated. Thx.

[Jamer]

Standard answer: Useful, but not necessary. There's handfuls of people who get in every school every year without seeing a hospital but research is definitely a good thing on a resume.