How to Get More Involved with Research as a Medical Student

Reflect on areas of medicine that fascinate you—whether it’s a specific specialty like cardiology or public health, or particular diseases. Staying updated by reading journals like The New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet or JAMA will help you focus your interests. As you gain clinical experience, these interests might evolve.

Note: It’s okay to start broad. Exploring different areas will help you refine your research focus over time.

Writing letters to editors is a simple way to engage in research early on. You can offer feedback, pose questions, or provide alternative perspectives on articles published in medical journals. Assisting with literature reviews is another entry-level task that will help you get familiar with ongoing research without requiring a huge time commitment. Medical education research (MedEd) is a great area to consider here. Many faculty members are involved in studying teaching methods, curriculum development, or student learning outcomes, and it's relatively easy to find projects where you can assist or contribute.

Consideration: Letters to editors provide a quick route to publication, while literature reviews build foundational research skills. MedEd research often offers quicker, accessible entry points for students, as it's based on educational practices you’re already experiencing.

Reach out to faculty members at your medical school, particularly those who teach during your preclinical years. These faculty are often more open to taking on medical students for research projects. You’ll likely meet them in lectures or small-group sessions, and they are often actively engaged in research related to foundational sciences or medical education. Express your interest in their work and ask if you can assist with ongoing projects or if they have ideas for new research you could help with.

Advice: Developing a strong relationship with a mentor early on can guide your research journey and open up more opportunities for growth.

Many medical schools offer structured research electives or summer research programs where students work with faculty on specific projects. Additionally, student-led organizations such as the National Medical Research Association (NMRA) or the National Student Association of Medical Research (NSAMR) are great resources. These organizations often host workshops, conferences, and networking events for students interested in research. They can help connect you to faculty mentors or other students working on research projects.

Tip: Joining a formal program or student research group early on provides you with access to mentorship, training, and collaborative opportunities.

To effectively contribute to and conduct research, it’s crucial to learn about research methodologies, statistical tools, and academic writing. National research teaching series are invaluable for this purpose. For example, organizations like the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) host systematic review workshops, and NMRA has offered meta-analysis training series. These programs guide you through key research processes, helping you build skills like critical appraisal, data synthesis, and statistical analysis using tools like SPSS, R, or REDCap.

Suggestion: Take advantage of these structured series and workshops offered by national organizations or your institution to develop skills in biostatistics, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.

Case reports are a great starting point because they require less time and resources compared to larger studies. If you come across an interesting patient case during rotations, work with a faculty mentor to write it up for publication. Retrospective studies using existing patient data are another way to get involved without designing a new project from scratch.

Tip: Unique or rare cases during your clinical work are prime candidates for case reports, so be on the lookout during your rotations.

Collaborating with senior students or residents already involved in research is a valuable way to gain experience and learn research protocols. Many medical schools have research societies that help connect students to faculty mentors and organize group projects.

Note: Working with others helps distribute the workload and improves your chances of completing a project successfully

Presenting at conferences gives you exposure and networking opportunities. Many conferences have sections dedicated to student research, where you can present posters or give oral presentations. Starting with small submissions, like case reports, is a good way to build your CV. Over time, aim for more substantial contributions, like original research articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Tip: Even small projects like case reports or abstracts can be presented at conferences, providing you with valuable feedback and recognition.

Participate in large-scale student-led research initiatives like the AIMS study or the FAST study. These projects often involve multiple institutions and offer opportunities to work on meaningful research topics. Additionally, student sections of societies, such as BFIRST or PRASSA, frequently run their own research projects and provide a platform for students to get involved. These projects can help you build experience in collaborative research and contribute to impactful studies.

Advice: Engaging in these collaborative projects can expand your network, expose you to diverse research methodologies, and enhance your research skills.

Research can be time-consuming, so it’s essential to manage your time wisely. Set realistic expectations about how much time you can dedicate without compromising your medical studies. Use breaks, like summer or elective periods, to focus intensively on research when you have fewer academic demands.

Suggestion: Prioritize quality over quantity when choosing research projects—contributing meaningfully to one or two projects is better than overcommitting.