finding a place to do research

[dem tangy]

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I did not match this year. I want to find an institution where I can get involved with clinical research projects that could be completed in a timely manner and a mentor for some guidance so I can ultimately have several publications at year's end. Any suggestions for places in addition to MD Anderson, Sloan Kettering, and Princess Margaret? Also, what is the best way to contact faculty members at these places as the websites do not list any email addresses and I don't know how quickly they would read or even get snail mail? One last thing, does anyone know of any paid positions or is it all basically free labor? Thanks for any help.

 

[Wm Tell]

I was in a similar position last year. I think the best way find research opportunities is to ask your current contacts in Rad Onc to make calls/e-mails/suggestions for you. If you have a home rad onc program, the doctors/physicists/rad biologists likely have contacts all over the country. If you did an away rotation, contact them, too.

You should be paid for your work. The departments have money, and you will be adding a lot of value to the department.

I did have success talking with one physician whose research I was interested in through a cold-call (I left a message with his nurse and he called me back), but that may be exception.

Best of luck to you. Make sure you pick an research area and a project that you enjoy too - as I think that will help you be more productive, happier, and more able to show genuine enthusiasm for the research year come next interview season.

I did not match this year. I want to find an institution where I can get involved with clinical research projects that could be completed in a timely manner and a mentor for some guidance so I can ultimately have several publications at year's end. Any suggestions for places in addition to MD Anderson, Sloan Kettering, and Princess Margaret? Also, what is the best way to contact faculty members at these places as the websites do not list any email addresses and I don't know how quickly they would read or even get snail mail? One last thing, does anyone know of any paid positions or is it all basically free labor? Thanks for any help.

 

[Radonc Or Bust]

You should be paid for your work. The departments have money, and you will be adding a lot of value to the department.

Not always the case. I know you are adding valuable data to the department, but I know several people who have done research projects w/o getting paid. It depends on what you're willing to sacrifice I think.

 

[ABCXRT]

You know people who did a year of full time research without getting paid? That's really a shame.

 

[radiaterMike]

You know people who did a year of full time research without getting paid? That's really a shame.

I assume that poster meant that he/she knows students who did research projects without getting paid. That is the norm- and is part of the medical school education. Students should not get paid for doin research as part of an elective, or as extracurricular work during medical school. However, if a student is taking a year out, he/she should be getting paid (and if not, that is the student's fault for letting that happen).

 

[Radonc Or Bust]

I assume that poster meant that he/she knows students who did research projects without getting paid. That is the norm- and is part of the medical school education. Students should not get paid for doin research as part of an elective, or as extracurricular work during medical school. However, if a student is taking a year out, he/she should be getting paid (and if not, that is the student's fault for letting that happen).

Not a full year, but close enough -- and no, was not paid for either of the two that I know who did this. But both did end up matching after that year of research -- what was 10 months of no pay compared to matching in a field that is getting more and more competitive each day?