If doing research ...

[Dr.Inviz]

If one is to do research under an attending and his research associate/partner, is it proper etiquette to ask if they would be willing to pay a stipend for your work in their clinical research investigation (which will lead to a publication), or should one never ask for a stipend and wait for them to mention a potential stipend based off your work? This is one thing I never figurred out, but have an idea that one should probably wait. What are your opinions on this matter?

Thanks.

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[Law2Doc]

but have an idea that one should probably wait.

If you don't make this inquiry at the initial meeting, I think the you lose the opportunity.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

If you don't make this inquiry at the initial meeting, I think the you lose the opportunity.

Ah, so how should one ask -- "Is there a possibility for a stipend for being a part of the research opportunity?"

 

[Law2Doc]

Ah, so how should one ask -- "Is there a possibility for a stipend for being a part of the research opportunity?"

Something like that. Or whether they have research funding for a student researcher, or whether this would be an unfunded position, etc.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Something like that. Or whether they have research funding for a student researcher, or whether this would be an unfunded position, etc.

Thank you.

 

[mudphudwannabe]

Also ask if they know of opportunities for you to apply for your own funding. Someone in the med school administration might be able to help you too -- at our school, they have some grants available for med students doing research that come with a stipend. I think if you show some initiative in looking for your own funding, that makes it less risky/awkward to broach the subject.

 

[TexPre-Med]

Most grant opportunities require applications due by Februaryish for that summer. Start early!

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Also ask if they know of opportunities for you to apply for your own funding. Someone in the med school administration might be able to help you too -- at our school, they have some grants available for med students doing research that come with a stipend. I think if you show some initiative in looking for your own funding, that makes it less risky/awkward to broach the subject.

I plan to return to that lab. The med school I have been accepted to provides grant money for MS-I's to do research in the summer prior to MS-II. I have informed them of this beforehand.

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

Don't be afraid about asking, I think most attendings know the difficulty of living on a students budget and won't take offense to the question

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Don't be afraid about asking, I think most attendings know the difficulty of living on a students budget and won't take offense to the question

Thank you. I met with the research associate and she said she would ask the attending about it. The attending later mentioned about a separate meeting to discuss the research, and that meeting is still pending.

 

[8o8o8o8]

You can ask "if there is a departmental stipend or if you should apply for an outside grant?" That way you look responsible.

 

[dbhvt]

"and how much will I get paid?" works well. Sometimes it's awkward for a bit, but awkwardness is a lot of fun.

 

[Critical Mass]

You can ask "if there is a departmental stipend or if you should apply for an outside grant?" That way you look responsible.

I like this answer.

Really I think that if you are doing work funded by a federal grant or drug/diagnostic company, then there should be some peanuts available for you. The PI's cut of the cash is typically substantial just to be in charge.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

I like this answer.

Really I think that if you are doing work funded by a federal grant or drug/diagnostic company, then there should be some peanuts available for you. The PI's cut of the cash is typically substantial just to be in charge.

Thanks guys for the help.