One of the many experiences that can develop your scientific literacy is research. For those of you who are unfamiliar with research, there are a few types. There is basic, clinical, and translational. Basic science research is commonly known as “lab bench” work. This research is conducted to understand specific reactions at the molecular level. Essentially, researchers in this area focus on just learning how certain interactions work without the application to humans and medicine. 

 In contrast, clinical research works with human beings. Clinical research can focus on a variety of  interventions or understanding different processes. For instance, I worked in clinical research focused on understanding the impact of stress on migraines. 

The intersection between basic research and clinical research is known as translational research. This area of research focuses on how molecular research can improve the lives of humans. 

For a pre-medical student, knowing these areas of research are important to developing your scientific literacy skills so that you can one day conduct your own research and understand evidence-based medicine for your future clinical practices as a physician. 

If you don’t plan to do research as a physician, that’s okay too! These skills will help you read dense material and determine which treatment options are best for your patients. 

There are also medical schools that focus on research. If you are applying to research focused medical schools, you definitely want to have this experience. It shows that you have been consistent in research and are truly interested in furthering it.  

However, I would not be too hard pressed on gaining this experience just to slap onto your application. It would be better for you to include research so that you can enrich your experiences and gain those skills for yourself.

 It is also very important that you enjoy what you are researching. You’ll only be able to be consistent with this activity if you genuinely enjoy it and it will be much easier to discuss these experiences. Your research doesn’t have to be related to medicine either. You just have to be passionate about it. 

If you go to a university, there is a pretty good chance that there are faculty members who conduct research on campus. Here are a few ways you could get involved. 

1. Information Sessions

Some schools have information sessions where professors are looking to recruit students to join their research. These professors will probably present or discuss their research and explain the type of student they are looking for.

Some professors may only want graduate students while others may only want freshmen. It will definitely depend but check if your school hosts these sessions during the first few weeks of the semester. 

2. Ask Your Professors (and your friends!)

You could also get involved with research by asking your own professors. It is likely that some of your professors are going to have their own research projects. Your professor will be more likely to consider you for a research position if you get to know them and leave a good impression.

Be the best student you can for their class: participate in class, ask questions, and visit office hours. These actions will help you build a positive relationship with your professor and hopefully you can partake in their research. 

However, not all professors will have research of their own. For instance, my biology professor did not have any research projects of her own but my friend’s biology professor did. Don’t get discouraged if they don’t have a project or if they don’t want you on their project. 

You could probably ask them to be a reference later on for other opportunities. If you take multiple classes with this professor, you could potentially ask them for a letter of recommendation for your medical school application later on. You could also ask them if one of their colleagues has research projects and if they could link you up. 

You can also ask your friends about their research! Maybe their lab has an opening? Or maybe they know another professor who is looking for a student? I never really thought about asking friends until medical school while I was struggling to find someone for my capstone project. I ended up having a long conversation with a classmate, and she was so incredibly resourceful. You truly never know what a friend can help you find if you don’t ask. 

3. “Cold Call” Emails

Your next best bet for getting involved with research is through emailing the professors. Most universities have web pages that could give you an idea of which professors are doing research. This step might take more work depending on your university and whether you can find contact information. 

If this step is possible, there is a right way and a wrong way. I learned this lesson the hard way during my sophomore year because I didn’t do my research beforehand. 

When emailing these professors, make sure you do extensive research on this individual and their projects. The best way of doing this is by reading their papers. It shows that you took the time to learn about their projects.

Doing this step shows that you are very interested in their research. I did not do this and I did not receive any replies to my emails. However, I  learned my lesson and applied it to my job interviews and landed my CRC position. 

In addition to showing your interest, include some of your past experiences or skills. Explain your background, your plans to attend medical school, and what you could bring to their project. Make sure to proofread your email, use your school email account, and send it at an appropriate time. 

Hint: Scheduling emails to be sent at specific times can be helpful! 

4. Summer Research Programs 

Some universities and hospitals have summer research programs. You could search your university’s website and see if there are any programs. You could also ask your professors or advisors if there are any programs available. 

If your university doesn’t have any, I would suggest searching the internet for other universities that do have summer programs for students. There are also hospitals and medical centers that have programs for students of different ages. 

The AAMC has this page with some options: https://www.aamc.org/professional-development/affinity-groups/great/summer-undergrad-research-programs

I would recommend searching before you start your undergraduate studies or during your winter break. Some of these programs will require letters of recommendation, transcripts, and applications. You want to improve your chances of getting into one of these programs by being prepared and applying early.

Personally, I was unable to do any summer research, but I have friends who participated in the program at my university. I also know students who did research programs at different universities during their summers. It’s best to do your research early on to see if there are any programs for you. These programs may be a bit difficult to find with COVID still being a bit of a barrier, but it doesn’t hurt to search!

5. Part Time Jobs 

Depending on your coursework and the opportunities in your area, I recommend looking into part time and per diem positions at research institutes and hospitals in your area. For major hospitals and institutes, look through their career pages and mark down any opportunities.

I recommend looking for “clinical research coordinator”and “clinical research assistant”/”research assistant”. These positions will give you the chance to work in clinical research and potentially gain some patient contact hours. However, I am very biased to this position as that was my growth year research experience.

Read their descriptions, job requirements, and the hours you would have to work. Apply if you think that position would work for you. Check to see if there is a researcher on that listing and email them directly so they are more likely to look at your application! If there isn’t an email address, search for them and you’ll likely find their contact information through their institution’s website/database. 

Overall, it could take a while to get involved with research. The point is to be persistent. If you struggle with that, know that you are not alone. I’ve struggled with the perceptions of rejections many times while trying to find research during college and even now as a medical student. I didn’t find my research on vaccines until my junior year when I asked my professor if I could join her projects, and it took me four months to get my CRC position. Keep trying because the right projects will find you. 

Comment below if you found your research in another way!