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I was wondering how I could get involved in clinical research. I won't be applying to medical school until 2008, but I want to start building some good ECs now.
I was wondering how I could get involved in clinical research. I won't be applying to medical school until 2008, but I want to start building some good ECs now.
For Pre-meds, its often difficult to get involved with clinical research. For legal reasons, there is very little students can do to and for patients other than administer surveys. Furthermore, these opportunities are usually reserved for medical students and above. Also, generally you have to get on good terms of a physician overseeing the research. In general, most pre-meds who have done clinical research have said that it is very, very boring often involving calling up patients, asking how they are and administering surveys.
For basic science research or even clinical trials, there is a lot Pre-Meds can do as PIs are always looking for cheap (i.e. free) labor. And this is as simple as going to your school, looking up PIs whose projects interest you and emailing them and telling them your interest. Keep in mind, in research you get out what you put in. So if you work hard for a long time, research can be a very rewarding experience. Although, some people hate research. Usually a PI will start you off with a very simple project, such as dish washing. As you get more experienced, you get more interesting stuff.
CV+ Recommendation letters => Manager of [insert department] Research @ XYZ Medical School => Interview => Job in clinical research