Research?

[Superman DO]

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So, I really do not have a solid idea about what area of medicine I want to go into. I'm interested in primary care, but I know I really will not find that out what I love until 3rd year probably. But, from reading lots of post, it looks like a lot of specialties require a certain amount of research to have a legitimate shot. I figure that I should probably do some kind of research because (1) I think it could be a fun and worth-while experience and (2) who knows what I could be going into at this point.

However, I've never had any experience in research, not even in undergrad. What kind of research are you supposed to be doing as a medical student? How am I supposed to come up with some research procedure when the only lab work I've done was the basic science labs in undergrad that has everything spelled out for you? Are you supposed to just get involved with faculty? Are the medical students who get published working on their own projects, or do they just have their names associated with the paper because they helped? Anyways, I'm a newbie at this and have a lot of questions. Any help from others who have some research experience would be appreciative! Thanks!

 

[Rollo]

Easiest way to get involved in some clinical research is to go to your medical schools residency program (i.e. contact the residents, program director, department head) and let them know that you're a first year willing to help out with any research projects that are available.

I believe it is easier to get published helping out another resident or attending and have your name put on the paper than it is to try and start a project on your own (especially since you're quite inexperienced in research).

Also, I'd suggest you try and understand what the research is about so you can talk intelligently about it during residency interviews.

 

[Superman DO]

Awesome, thanks for the advice 🙂

 

[jinobi]

Departmental residency programs may have their own research website, with a coordinator specifically to handle medical students. Medical students typically join an already started study, but there's always an opportunity to collaborate with a PI to start a branch project from another study.

Expect to do data entry, collection, shadowing, etc.

 

[235750]

I've never had any experience in research. What kind of research are you supposed to be doing as a medical student? How am I supposed to come up with some research procedure when the only lab work I've done was the basic science labs in undergrad that has everything spelled out for you? Are you supposed to just get involved with faculty?

What research you can participate in is entirely dependent on what you can contribute. I agree with the other posts (esp Rollo) that if you have no experience, than your options will probably be limited to seeing what the facility needs done.

If, however, you have a set of skills that are valuable and can convince your school that you have a good idea, they might be willing to give you money. My school (PCOM) like many others offers research scholarships where a student is given money based on a project they propose.

I've had many abstracts and several manuscripts accepted in the last 1 1/2 yrs, and although the IFs range between 2-6, I still believe it looks good on my CV. The bar is particularly low for us med students as I'm told that IF means very little. So, keep that in mind.

Research takes a lot of your time. I know my grades suffered last year, and honestly it may not be worth it. I quit last week with my latest publication. Before you start making commitments, you need ask yourself if you're willing/able to sacrifice more time.

Also, if you do any research, make sure at the minimum you submit an abstract. There is no point in doing work if you have nothing to show for it

Good luck