How to Find Research Projects in the U.S. as an IMG
Written by Grace Gilbert
“How do I even find research?” I’ve been asked this question more times than I can count. Whenever I am asked that question I was always met with the same answers: “Ask the residents” or “Mention you’re interested in research to the attending physicians”. Waiting to casually slip research into a conversation isn’t something you can always count on to get involved in academia. Many specialties are indeed happy to see involvement in research. What happens if you don’t have a home program invested in helping you obtain research? As an IMG, I’ve spent as long as six months in one hospital, and as short as four weeks. This kind of jumping around means that research involvement must be purposeful and planned.
1. Find one main institution to focus your research time.
Ideally, you want to find one program with an active research department to invest your efforts in. This may be the program you want to match into, or merely one close to home. Once you decide where the best fit is, it’s time to get involved.
2. Contact research coordinators or program directors.
This is not a casual conversation, it’s a professional email, phone call, or office visit. Possibly all three. Often, physician research directors can get too busy to reply to emails from eager medical students; the key is to contact research staff. Research coordinators, fellows, interns, (or whatever title is given to staff or full-time students) will be your best friend. Often, residents or program coordinators can help you connect with attendings if are not getting back to you. Meet with the research time; a full meeting with a real conversation explaining all the work you are willing to do to help complete projects. Make it clear that you are interested and want to help.
3. Find accessory programs.
Due to Covid-19, there are many virtual opportunities. I always like having 3-4 smaller projects going alongside a bigger one. If you are purposeful enough to start research in your first year of medical school, you may have more time to work on projects. If you are like me and need to make up a lot of groundwork to complete projects during the third and fourth years, diversifying your portfolio can be helpful.
Lastly, if you still are struggling to make contacts and publications, devoting an entire year to research may be the best plan for you. Ideally, this occurs between the third and fourth years of medical school.
4. Be a Team Player
It is very important to meet your deadlines, ask for help when you need it, and to be friendly to the staff.
