Looking for Plastics related research. No home program.

[Gothpanic]

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Hey everyone. I recently started third year and I am interested in plastic surgery. I already have some plastics related research (nothing too substantial but still), and I also have background in computational research. My school has no home program and it has been incredibly, incredibly difficult and frustrating to try and connect with other institutions. I have some connections but unfortunately every time I think i might tag along on someones project, they stop responding to my emails or the project falls through. Does anyone have any tips on what I should try doing? i have tried attending grand rounds, cold emailing etc. but none of it has worked for me. I also want to take a research year but I will still need connections and research experience for that and I'm starting to panick. (I'm in NYC area if that helps). Any advice appreciated thank you.

 

[xDNA]

I'm not familiar with NYC, but I'd imagine it shouldnt be too hard to find research in NYC. Just dont give up keep doing what you're doing. It sucks so many things have fallen through, but that just mean it wasnt meant for you. The right situation will come along as long as you stay vigilant and keep putting yourself out there.
Alternatively, if you're already set on taking a research year. then just do any research. Whatever research you can. Thats still way way better than not having any research if you're gunning for PRS; then for your research year that entire year can be dedicated to PRS research. In an ideal world a research year should have 7+ publications if all are geared towards PRS then by the time you apply for residency you'll for sure still have substantial PRS research despite your current struggles. Good luck!

 

[JBM16BYU]

Great advice above. One thing I may add is that if you can't get plastics "specific" research, perhaps you can do things that may be "plastics-adjacent"? Derm, ENT, Hand, surgery, etc. While not specific to plastic surgery, it can still help you get in that direction.

 

[Dr. Robb Bassett]

Your honesty really comes through here—and so does your persistence. I just want to start by saying: what you’re feeling is real, and incredibly common for students trying to break into competitive specialties without a home program. You’re not doing anything wrong. You’re just up against a system that—fairly or not—often rewards proximity and access over grit and effort.

That said, let’s talk strategy. Because there are ways to shift the game in your favor.

You mentioned having a background in computational research—that’s a huge asset. Many plastics departments are leaning hard into tech: AI, surgical simulation, 3D modeling, outcomes prediction, imaging analysis. Could you position yourself as someone who brings that “tech x surgery” hybrid skillset to the table? Even just offering help with data processing, image annotation, or building figures for manuscripts can open doors that “I’d love to be involved” emails don’t.

Also, instead of casting a wide net with cold outreach, consider going deep. Pick 3–5 NYC-area faculty (Mount Sinai, Columbia, NYU, Einstein, Montefiore, etc.), and do a deep dive—not just on PubMed, but check for talks, resident presentations, posters, or even Twitter threads. Tailor your email with surgical precision (no pun intended):

• What specifically excites you about their work?
  
  
• How might your experience directly support a project or workflow they’re already doing?
  
  
• What small but concrete task could you offer to contribute right away?
  

Grand rounds are great—but don’t stop there. Student-run interest groups at nearby schools, research symposia, resident-led journal clubs, even Instagram Live Q&As… anything that brings people together around the specialty can become a backdoor in. Sometimes your best in is actually a resident—they're more accessible, often running their own projects, and remember what it's like to be the one sending emails into the void.

Also, a quick gut-check: When you say you’re looking for “connections,” what exactly are you hoping for?

• A mentor?
  
  
• A project to anchor yourself in?
  
  
• A sense of direction amid the chaos?
  Getting crystal clear on that might help you not just ask better, but notice opportunities that fit when they appear.
  

And about that panic—yeah, it’s real. But it’s also a sign that you care deeply and you’re not just floating. That matters. When I coach med students in your position, one of the reframes I offer is this: “If I weren’t panicking right now… what would I try next?”

You're already developing the skills that will serve you long after med school: self-advocacy, creative problem-solving, persistence. Hang in there. You're not behind—you’re just building momentum the hard way. And it does count.

Wishing you traction soon.