Getting Into Research

[funkless]

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What's the most effective way to scare up a summer research position when one is a first year medical student whose presence has never tainted the air of any laboratory?

We don't have an Emergency Medicine program here in Memphis, so I was thinking about going to the Depts of Cardiology and Surgery (we're level 1 trauma) to see if any faculty members have pertinent research projects. I suppose that's how it's done. Right so far?

How do I broach the subject of my (lamentable, undeniable) lack of lab experience? I was thinking about painting the words "uneducated loser" in bold purple letters across my torso, and donning a propeller-beanie.

Thanks,

--Funkless

 

[NinerNiner999]

Somebody once told me "the most important attribute is interest." Find somebody doing a study you would be interested in and see if they will let you jump aboard. As a first year medical student nobody will expect you have any experience, so expect to crunch some numbers, do some data reporting, and get your hands and feet dirty for the first year or so. If it is for a study that you find interesting or useful, you will be happy to do it and learn a good deal along the way. Just don't let your studies slip in the process...

 

[margaritaboy]

Don't forget that Vanderbilt is not too far away from you, and is a well respected EM program with plenty of $$. They may have positions for summer research 'interns' or rotators. Check out their website or try contacting the program coordinator. 👍

 

[funkless]

Wonderful advice. I'd love to hit up the EM dept at Vandy. Just loathe the thought of being away from the wife for three months. Maybe, depending on the nature of the work, it could be done (partly) long distance (data interpretation/literature review, etc.).

--Funkless