The research environment at different institutions can vary widely. Perhaps you thrive under pressure, and a cut-throat, competitive environment suits you. Perhaps you prefer a collaborative atmosphere where investigators openly share ideas and resources. Try to gauge the ambience of the biomedical sciences department to which you are applying. Since most institutions don't brag about having a secretive or hard-nosed research environment, ask your undergraduate advisor, department chair, or research mentor for guidance; he or she may know of institutions to avoid. In addition, when you visit graduate schools for interviews, ask graduate students and post-doctoral fellows for their opinion; they will typically share their viewpoint if you ask directly (but politely!) about the research atmosphere.