How to get a research position?? (help)

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HEADintheCLOUDS

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Well I am looking to get a research project for the summer and then through MS2 year. I just shadowed an ORtho surgery yesterday and obtained the main surgeon's email. I plan to email him about possible research opportunities, but I dont know what to write i the email. (I dont want to sound stupid or ******ed)????
 
Something like this:
Dear Dr. So and so
I would like to explore my interest in orthopedic surgery, can you recommend any faculty in your department with a research project that would be appropriate for a second year medical student?
Thanks,
Headintheclouds
 
Something like this:
Dear Dr. So and so
I would like to explore my interest in orthopedic surgery, can you recommend any faculty in your department with a research project that would be appropriate for a second year medical student?
Thanks,
Headintheclouds
Awesome thanks a bunch! Well see what happens.
 
Also I was told by a few of the department heads at my school that if you want to do research in their area then come meet with them (the department head) and they will know who is doing what and can point you in the right direction.
 
If you know who you might want to do research with, try to meet with them in person. I got up early and met with a surgeon the other day before his rounds and he said that other med students had emailed him about research, but I was the only one to actually come talk to him.
 
Just email and/or go talk to them to express your interest... don't think too much about it, most of them welcome the extra help.
 
Most departmental websites have listings of their faculty and descriptions of their research. Read through that and pick someone who you want to work with. Contact that person directly. Start your email by introducing yourself, state your interest in the specialty, and say something about why you are interested in working with them specifically. Ask if they are willing to take a student and ask for a meeting. If you have previous experience, say something about that as well so that they know they won't have to train someone from scratch. Most faculty welcome these types of inquiries.

Going through the department chairman may work. However, they are usually very busy and may not take time to discuss things with a student that they can easily look up themselves.
 
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