Research as a medical student

[LadyGlen]

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I'm starting med school this fall, and I'm coming from a very non-traditional background in the humanities. I have zero science research in my background, but am very interested in getting involved in some form of research as a medical student.

I'm just wondering if my lack of experience in this will prevent me from getting research opportunities? In all honesty, I'm nervous to be taken on for a project and having little to no idea what I am doing. I know I am at a disadvantage compared to other incoming students with years of research under their belt. Are there any resources out there I can use prior to starting school so I don't feel as brand-new to this? Any thoughts or advice appreciated.

 

[pms_testosterone]

Usually there are quite a lot of research opportunities available to MD students, so it shouldn't be too challenging for you to find something. I recommend starting to email profs you're interested in working with once you start school. (Email the first one on your list explaining why you're interested in doing research in their area, give them a week to respond, and if they don't, move on to the next.)

In terms of starting to read about research methods now, it's probably not a good use of your time unless you already know precisely what kind of research you'll be doing.

 

[Naruhodo]

No, I think you'll be fine. Most researchers don't expect you to be expert in a technique coming into their labs and will have students/ postdocs to show you the ropes. I agree there's not much use reading generally about methods until you actually know what you'll be doing.

One thing you might want to think about is what kind of research you are most interested in, and maybe whether your background in the humanities might be leveraged to your advantage (if that's something you'd like to continue with). At my school there is a huge interest in the medical humanities, with various project around empowering patient voices, podcasts where providers tell their stories, and poetry and storytelling in various formats. Not all research necessarily looks like the traditional benchwork these days. There are folks developing apps, and others doing 3D printing of models, epidemiology and working with public health statistics, or people who do medical anthropology and embed with the subjects whose perspectives they are seeking. There are many ways to be a researcher these days, so try to think both what you will enjoy and what kind of work might play to your strengths and interests.

 

[SurfingDoctor]

Approach people who you like and who have an interesting project. Put in the effort and you’ll be fine. Most people just want to see interest and effort. The more students do that, the more they get out of it and the more I reward them as far as meeting, publications, etc.

Actually learning how to do the science, collect the data, analyze it, etc. is not expected at your stage... unless you pick a crappy research mentor.

 

[OrthoTraumaMD]

I'm starting med school this fall, and I'm coming from a very non-traditional background in the humanities. I have zero science research in my background, but am very interested in getting involved in some form of research as a medical student.

I'm just wondering if my lack of experience in this will prevent me from getting research opportunities? In all honesty, I'm nervous to be taken on for a project and having little to no idea what I am doing. I know I am at a disadvantage compared to other incoming students with years of research under their belt. Are there any resources out there I can use prior to starting school so I don't feel as brand-new to this? Any thoughts or advice appreciated.

Clinical research isn’t hard. Plenty of people do it right off the bat. I would look up some basic terminology. Start with these two papers from my collection. It says for that it is orthopods, but it really is for everyone as it describes the basis of clinical research.

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[puahate]

Clinical research isn’t hard. Plenty of people do it right off the bat. I would look up some basic terminology. Start with these two papers from my collection. It says for that it is orthopods, but it really is for everyone as it describes the basis of clinical research.

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Thanks for the resources

 

[LadyGlen]

No, I think you'll be fine. Most researchers don't expect you to be expert in a technique coming into their labs and will have students/ postdocs to show you the ropes. I agree there's not much use reading generally about methods until you actually know what you'll be doing.

One thing you might want to think about is what kind of research you are most interested in, and maybe whether your background in the humanities might be leveraged to your advantage (if that's something you'd like to continue with). At my school there is a huge interest in the medical humanities, with various project around empowering patient voices, podcasts where providers tell their stories, and poetry and storytelling in various formats. Not all research necessarily looks like the traditional benchwork these days. There are folks developing apps, and others doing 3D printing of models, epidemiology and working with public health statistics, or people who do medical anthropology and embed with the subjects whose perspectives they are seeking. There are many ways to be a researcher these days, so try to think both what you will enjoy and what kind of work might play to your strengths and interests.

I would be interested in doing research related to medical humanities or public health, along with some form of clinical research. I'll continue to think these through.

Clinical research isn’t hard. Plenty of people do it right off the bat. I would look up some basic terminology. Start with these two papers from my collection. It says for that it is orthopods, but it really is for everyone as it describes the basis of clinical research.

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Thanks for these! Exactly the kind of resources I was hoping for.

 

[hunttr16]

Hey @LadyGlen congrats on your acceptance! Research in med school is very much possible especially if you are motivated from the get-go. Also, social sciences shouldn’t hold you back one bit (I was a sociology major myself in undergrad and now do quite a bit of research on 4-5 separate projects).

Check out the links below for some columns I’ve published here on SDN, they’re aimed at students just like you. Feel free to PM me or tweet @TrevorHunt_ECU if you’d like to discuss further. Hope it helps!

Here’s the info blurb about the column:

Welcome to “Research for the Rest of Us”, a column about navigating the complex intricacies of life in the lab. These articles aren’t for the superhuman Nature-publishing, Nobel Prize-winning MD/PhDs out there, but rather for the rest of us: the Average Joes simply trying to get our feet wet in research. Join us as we journey through this complex world of academic adventures, from picking a project to matching into your dream residency and everything in between.

Research Basics: Should I Get Involved and How Do I Start? • SDN

How Research Can Maximize Your Residency Match Success | SDN

Finding a Research Project that Fits Like a Glove • Student Doctor Network

Research Mentors: How to Find One, Keep One, and Reap the Rewards

Staying Afloat: 12 Tips for Juggling Research with Your Classes