Where to start as a MS2 with no research experience

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medschoolwithb

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Hi, I just started my second year, and I have no research experience.
Now that boards are pass/fail, I want to get involved in research to increase my chance to match into better programs.
I want to go into Anesthesia or EM, but I'm still open to other fields.
My first year GPA was 3.8, so I think that puts me at top 25-40% (didn't get spring rank yet.)
Just little above average

Research is something I don't love to do it, but I feel like I should do it.
And I have no idea where to start. I talked to my advisor and read some posts here.

I guess the general census is that don't do lab research, do clinical research or case reports.
I honestly don't even know what that means lol...

Do I just contact residents and ask what I should do to help or do they expect me to know what to do?
I'm ready to work hard but I wouldn't know what to do.

I appreciate any advice. Thank you!!
 
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My understanding is that EM is not competitive especially with last year's unfilled residency spots.

Anesthesia doesn't really have a research requirement tbw but with increasing competitiveness over time, I probably would start trying to find research (which can be anything).

Contacting resident is a good way; also try to see if your family can provide with connections. I got my summer research thru my mother's cousin who apparently had some kind of dance class with a professor at a hospital I was interested in for residency.
 
Does your DO school have residents? It will be extremely low yield to just contact residents at random schools
 
Try and get in contact with your research department at your school. Either that or look for current 3rd and 4th years, they may have greater insight.
 
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