Finding a research position and making appropriate connections

[HriRish]

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Hello everyone,

I noticed that a lot of what goes into the match process involves networking and getting letters of recommendation from well known faculty. Research is another important factor. I was wondering if people had any advice/pointers for a naive incoming medical student on how to make the appropriate connections/find "big name" faculty to work with/do research with, without having any legacy/family/friends/connections in the field. It is very intimidating to think about the influence these "big names" and their letters might have for one's application- especially if they are out of reach for most people, regardless of their academic ability. Thanks much.

 

[rueby25]

Hello everyone,

I noticed that a lot of what goes into the match process involves networking and getting letters of recommendation from well known faculty. Research is another important factor. I was wondering if people had any advice/pointers for a naive incoming medical student on how to make the appropriate connections/find "big name" faculty to work with/do research with, without having any legacy/family/friends/connections in the field. It is very intimidating to think about the influence these "big names" and their letters might have for one's application- especially if they are out of reach for most people, regardless of their academic ability. Thanks much.

I'd recommend focusing on getting good grades and doing well on step 1 first. Don't get ahead of yourself. It's good to strive for a field, and while you may think PRS right for you, you likely won't really know absolutely 100% until 3rd year of med school. If you decide at that time it's right for you, letters from "big names" will come from your home and away rotations. Most chairs expect you to ask for a letter during these rotations, so they are not difficult to get. Earning the praise in the letter is what is desirable/ difficult to obtain.

As for research, you don't need to do groundbreaking work. Find out what projects are going on at your school and ask how you can get involved. Express an interest in publishing, show initiative and diligence, and you will be rewarded. Most of all, do research in an area you enjoy. The process will be very painful otherwise. Don't be afraid to email residents or faculty about project opportunities. But be prepared to talk about your interest and reasons behind what you're doing.

But seriously, above all else, get a good step 1 score. While LORs can (will) give you the edge for an interview if they are exceptional, it won't matter if your step 1 score is below the step 1 cutoff set for app review.

 

[Phloston]

I'd recommend focusing on getting good grades and doing well on step 1 first. Don't get ahead of yourself. It's good to strive for a field, and while you may think PRS right for you, you likely won't really know absolutely 100% until 3rd year of med school. If you decide at that time it's right for you, letters from "big names" will come from your home and away rotations. Most chairs expect you to ask for a letter during these rotations, so they are not difficult to get. Earning the praise in the letter is what is desirable/ difficult to obtain.

As for research, you don't need to do groundbreaking work. Find out what projects are going on at your school and ask how you can get involved. Express an interest in publishing, show initiative and diligence, and you will be rewarded. Most of all, do research in an area you enjoy. The process will be very painful otherwise. Don't be afraid to email residents or faculty about project opportunities. But be prepared to talk about your interest and reasons behind what you're doing.

But seriously, above all else, get a good step 1 score. While LORs can (will) give you the edge for an interview if they are exceptional, it won't matter if your step 1 score is below the step 1 cutoff set for app review.

Nice input. Glad people like you are on this forum.

 

[YuenC]

Good advice. To that, I would add finding a mentor. Hang around at plastic surgery department conferences, ask the residents who is good to work with. Get a feel for the different faculty and who you might get along with. There's no need to rush into doing a project with someone - far better to find a good match and someone with whom you can have a productive relationship.

 

[rueby25]

Nice input. Glad people like you are on this forum.

Thanks!

Good advice. To that, I would add finding a mentor. Hang around at plastic surgery department conferences, ask the residents who is good to work with. Get a feel for the different faculty and who you might get along with. There's no need to rush into doing a project with someone - far better to find a good match and someone with whom you can have a productive relationship.

I completely agree with this. I will emphasize, though, that there is a fine line between early interest/ enthusiasm and being a nuisance. To that end, I will emphasize YuenC's statement of finding a "productive relationship."

 

[medicinednh09]

Another important point regarding mentorship/projects is that a productive relationship does not always mean a publication right way, or a publication-friendly project right off the bat. I personally spent two years working on a clinical trial that a) had no publication potential for me other than abstracts/presentations (only PI's are on big clinical trials), and b) probably wouldn't be complete until after ERAS. But, I worked my ass of and got to know my mentor really well, and pretty soon every time a paper came up I was asked to help out. So it's important to know that you shouldn't necessarily go publication hunting or trying to get 5th author on a case report; try to get involved in a longitudinal project that may take years to complete. Then your foot will be in the door for other projects once you have proved yourself.

 

[jenniferleigh]

I am in the same position looking for research and connections. Unfortunately I only scored 237 on Step 1 and am pretty sure I am really going to struggle to get a residency position in plastics. I really love maxillofacial so ENT is another option I have considered. I am just starting 3rd year and am in the process of contacting current residents trying to get on a research project. It's tough because I never expected to like plastics as much as I do and I wish now I had done things differently my first 2 years. I wish I knew the best way to get my foot in the door. I really do not want to do a transitional year or general surgery so if I have no chance at plastics I will need to re-evaluate my goals. I think you should start making connections as early as you can and really really try and do well on Step 1.

 

[rueby25]

I am in the same position looking for research and connections. Unfortunately I only scored 237 on Step 1 and am pretty sure I am really going to struggle to get a residency position in plastics. I really love maxillofacial so ENT is another option I have considered. I am just starting 3rd year and am in the process of contacting current residents trying to get on a research project. It's tough because I never expected to like plastics as much as I do and I wish now I had done things differently my first 2 years. I wish I knew the best way to get my foot in the door. I really do not want to do a transitional year or general surgery so if I have no chance at plastics I will need to re-evaluate my goals. I think you should start making connections as early as you can and really really try and do well on Step 1.

237 does not mean you will necessarily struggle getting a position. Work your but off, sit down with your chair or PD and ask how you can improve, etc. Aways and letters mean a LOT.

That being said, realize that a transitional year or gen surg can still get you to plastics. Everyone wants to match straight away, but make sure you're committed enough to know that you'd go the long route if you didnt match.

 

[jenniferleigh]

237 does not mean you will necessarily struggle getting a position. Work your but off, sit down with your chair or PD and ask how you can improve, etc. Aways and letters mean a LOT.

That being said, realize that a transitional year or gen surg can still get you to plastics. Everyone wants to match straight away, but make sure you're committed enough to know that you'd go the long route if you didnt match.

Thank you! I keep hearing that if you want it bad enough you can make it work so I will hold on to that and keep trying to make connections and like you said improve.