How to work your way up to the mentor of your choice?

[PremedSurvivor]

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I was fortunate enough to get accepted into a top-5 med school. Because I got no break in between undergrad and med school, I have been extremely burnt out lately and performing way less efficiently than I usually do (no motivation to study, fatigued etc.)

Anyways, I got behind on the mandatory summer research project (we need to find a mentor by the last week of November). I wanted to do global health research with this amazing guy, let's say Dr. Clark, but because I was so behind he already has his quota of students to mentor. However, I am able to work with a colleague of his (not sure how close they are).

Ultimately, I want to be able to work with Dr. Clark directly. How likely is it that I will be able to work my way up to him? Any tips for doing so? He is extremely busy, and I can't exactly attend lab meetings because this is a global health project with no single field site.

I am in contact with his personal assistant.

 

[slopes23]

Big fish in a small pond. You'll be fine.

 

[Samir Desai]

If they're in the same department, chances are they interact with each other regularly. Since Dr. Clark has already met his quote of students to mentor, I'd make the most of this opportunity with the colleague. Then later you can try to connect with Dr. Clark, and your mentor can help facilitate that. You can still develop a relationship with Dr. Clark, especially since you have lots of time left in medical school.