Securing Research Opportunity

[masterchiefk57]

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Hi all,

I am in incoming M1 and have been told it would behoove me to identify mentors and secure research opportunities fairly quickly depending on my specialty ambitions. I am wondering what's the best way to approach PIs and how to evaluate an opportunity for its potential to produce a first-author publication. Also, is it wise/necessary to take a dedicated year towards research? I feel these pursuits will be very difficult as an M1 with almost zero clinical knowledge.

 

[wanderingorion]

IMO, a research year is only useful if you have a specific goal in mind. I've heard these include: improving competitiveness following a lackluster STEP1 showing, switching "late" to pursuit of a uber competitive specialty, or striving for the tippy-top residency program
Overall, I think you can cram in enough research in 4 years if you need to.

I'd recommend looking at faculty online to see what their research focuses are on. Reach out to multiple potential mentors to discuss projects. The general consensus is clinical research (chart review, etc.) is the most "bang" for your buck timewise. Also, if you change your mind regarding specialties, any research you do looks good, so focus more on getting a good mentor early on.

 

[masterchiefk57]

IMO, a research year is only useful if you have a specific goal in mind. I've heard these include: improving competitiveness following a lackluster STEP1 showing, switching "late" to pursuit of a uber competitive specialty, or striving for the tippy-top residency program
Overall, I think you can cram in enough research in 4 years if you need to.

I'd recommend looking at faculty online to see what their research focuses are on. Reach out to multiple potential mentors to discuss projects. The general consensus is clinical research (chart review, etc.) is the most "bang" for your buck timewise. Also, if you change your mind regarding specialties, any research you do looks good, so focus more on getting a good mentor early on.

Thanks for the advice. Would it be better to suggest my own proposal that's in line with their research focus or inquire about any upcoming/ongoing projects that I can contribute to?

 

[wanderingorion]

Thanks for the advice. Would it be better to suggest my own proposal that's in line with their research focus or inquire about any upcoming/ongoing projects that I can contribute to?

It's tricky to propose your own idea, as you don't know what they are currently working on, unless it really gels with their research interest. But, having your own project would lead to a 1st author pub, but it would require a lot of work. Might be best to just jump into a ongoing project to work with them and develop something over time.