How to get Clinical Research Early On

[FIREitUP]

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So, I'm finishing my first year at a school with a Rad Onc program, but with very little research funding. A little while ago, I made an appointment to meet with one of the attendings who introduced me to the residents. When I asked about clinical research opportunities that I could engage in, he basically told me to go see a basic science researcher (to make assays) and was super unhelpful. I'm very concerned since I know how much research comes into play in Rad Onc, and I don't want to be doing basic science research that goes nowhere. And it seems that my third year schedule won't allow for any aways, and by the time I want to do aways perhaps at another Rad Onc department where I can do research, my ERAS will likely have been submitted. Is there anything someone in my shoes can do in order to get some clinical research under my belt? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Frazier]

So, I'm finishing my first year at a school with a Rad Onc program, but with very little research funding. A little while ago, I made an appointment to meet with one of the attendings who introduced me to the residents. When I asked about clinical research opportunities that I could engage in, he basically told me to go see a basic science researcher (to make assays) and was super unhelpful. I'm very concerned since I know how much research comes into play in Rad Onc, and I don't want to be doing basic science research that goes nowhere. And it seems that my third year schedule won't allow for any aways, and by the time I want to do aways perhaps at another Rad Onc department where I can do research, my ERAS will likely have been submitted. Is there anything someone in my shoes can do in order to get some clinical research under my belt? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Any nearby schools you could contact?

A guy from my state school used to do research at a nearby school because his institution didn't have a radonc dept.

Worked out well for him: matched.

 

[FIREitUP]

Any nearby schools you could contact?

A guy from my state school used to do research at a nearby school because his institution didn't have a radonc dept.

Worked out well for him: matched.

There are schools near me, and through online research I found some phone numbers of clinicians. Is it okay to cold call these clinicians and see if they need anyone to do research with them?

 

[FIREitUP]

That is exactly what the student I mentioned earlier did...

A couple PI's from one school said they didn't have anything for him... The other school gave him a chance and he ended up getting a presentation and pub out of it.

Just gotta put yourself out there it seems.

Sounds like a plan.