How do you find research?

[OphthoDoc]

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I really need help finding information on how to obtain research. I've been scouring through these forums for many days now, but I have not come upon an answer.

I'm considering doing a year long research fellowship between my 3rd and 4th year.

What I want to ask is how can I go about finding it? Should I make cold calls to different programs or professors? I've scoured through different program websites (ie UCSF, Harvard) and it seems like there are different procedures for different institution.

I know there are programs like "Fight for Sight" and "Research to Prevent Blindness". I know that I have to apply for grants and I need a mentor. I know this is a lot to ask, but how do I find a mentor in the first place? The school I'm at does not have a well known ophtho program nor any big names in the field.

Thank you!

 

[xanthomondo]

I was also thinking about making a thread about this topic today. I am trying to assemble a research opportunity together. I've offered to work nights/weekends until next year where I can do a 6 week research rotation, but EVERYONE I've emailed (multiple people at my home institution as well as multiple away places) have told me that "there's nothing significant I can do with that time frame and aren't interested in taking on a student."

If this is such a crucial piece of our application, how are we supposed to get an in to research?

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[speyeder]

Try approaching the ophtho residents at your home program. Ask them if they are involved in any research projects and if there is any way you can help. If the residents don't have anything for you, ask the faculty.

Writing up an interesting case report is probably the easiest way to get your name on a paper.

Clinical research, i.e. retrospective studies that involve chart reviews is also ideal for a med student since this is something you can do on your own time or on weekends.

Basic science research is probably the hardest in terms of being able to accomplish anything tangible in a short amount of time.

 

[OphthoDoc]

I was also thinking about making a thread about this topic today. I am trying to assemble a research opportunity together. I've offered to work nights/weekends until next year where I can do a 6 week research rotation, but EVERYONE I've emailed (multiple people at my home institution as well as multiple away places) have told me that "there's nothing significant I can do with that time frame and aren't interested in taking on a student."

If this is such a crucial piece of our application, how are we supposed to get an in to research?

Any suggestions?

Thanks

not to take away from your efforts, but 6 weeks doesn't seem like enough time to publish much, if anything. i'm in a similar position. i don't go to a top 10 institution, but i'm going to cut my losses and want to spend a year doing research. maybe you should think about the same. i've been emailng ppl straight up, but i've yet to find anything. maybe you should consider spending a year. not only will you get papers, but you can possibly get an awesome LOR and make some connections. good luck!

 

[xanthomondo]

Try approaching the ophtho residents at your home program. Ask them if they are involved in any research projects and if there is any way you can help. If the residents don't have anything for you, ask the faculty.

Writing up an interesting case report is probably the easiest way to get your name on a paper.

Clinical research, i.e. retrospective studies that involve chart reviews is also ideal for a med student since this is something you can do on your own time or on weekends.

Basic science research is probably the hardest in terms of being able to accomplish anything tangible in a short amount of time.

I have been contacting the residents/attendings in my department since mid/late MS1. They never have anything and really have never offered solid advice to land me research. During my rotation this year I asked again and was told that there really was nothing much going on and to contact outside institutions.

not to take away from your efforts, but 6 weeks doesn't seem like enough time to publish much, if anything. i'm in a similar position. i don't go to a top 10 institution, but i'm going to cut my losses and want to spend a year doing research. maybe you should think about the same. i've been emailng ppl straight up, but i've yet to find anything. maybe you should consider spending a year. not only will you get papers, but you can possibly get an awesome LOR and make some connections. good luck!

I've been told repeatedly (maybe others in here can weigh in?) that it's not necessarily the publications that you need at this point, but just the fact that you can passionately talk about some sort of research during your interviews and show that you do have an interest in research.

There are plenty of people who don't take a year off to do research and match into ophtho, and I really don't want to take a year off, either.

 

[physicsnerd42]

I was also thinking about making a thread about this topic today. I am trying to assemble a research opportunity together. I've offered to work nights/weekends until next year where I can do a 6 week research rotation, but EVERYONE I've emailed (multiple people at my home institution as well as multiple away places) have told me that "there's nothing significant I can do with that time frame and aren't interested in taking on a student."

If this is such a crucial piece of our application, how are we supposed to get an in to research?

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Don't try to do bench research in that time frame.

Maybe, however, you can get involved with a clinical project, especially if you can dedicate some time before and after your six-week block. You need to look for someone who already has (or had) residents/students working with them because you're actually trying to find a mentor, not a project. Maybe contact people from your school who are now residents and see who they worked with.

 

[Visionary]

I agree that you really can't do any significant research on a short rotation--definitely not bench research. The best you can probably hope for is a small chart review project. That said, it's probably all you need. The real goal is to show interest in the field, not publish. It's rare for medical students to participate in projects that lead to significant publications (poster presentations, perhaps). I spent 5 years on a PhD prior to med school, and the best I could manage while in med school was a small, poster-worthy project with my doctoral advisor between my 1st and 2nd year. There just isn't sufficient time. You need to spend your hours learning medicine, and residency programs know that. I suggest you only take a year off for research, if you really want to do research and pursue academic medicine. The road is long enough without adding another year, and it probably won't impact your career that much, unless you want to be an academician.

 

[Shamsports]

I found a basic science mentor in ophthamology last year by using the NIH Reporter system (http://projectreporter.nih.gov/reporter.cfm). You can find PI's at your institution with RO1 grants in eye research.