Embedded Files
Some tips on conducting research for the incoming student. Remember that medical school is a marathon, not a sprint. You could do zero research your entire first year and still be okay, though we would recommend starting early, particularly if you are interested in a specialty that emphasizes research. The following “recipe” touches on 5 aspects of research that are important to the first year of medical school. Some or most of us started off scared by research when school began but have since gained some good experience and produced some good research items. Some students may already have extensive research experience and a passion for conducting research, while others may have minimal exposure, but want to learn more. No matter what stage you are in, don’t be afraid to reach out to upperclassmen with questions!
Mentorship
Find an M2 that can help you get involved and guide you through an initial research project.
Even if you cannot yet contribute much, you will become familiar with several components of the research process as your mentor(s) involve you in a first project (e.g., hypothesis forming, data gathering, forming a team, coordinating authorship, submitting to a conference/journal, drafting an abstract and manuscript, working with physicians, patient chart review in EPIC, etc.).
Residents can also be very helpful. Shadowing at the hospital is a good way to meet residents and discuss research opportunities with residents and attendings.
One of the great things about Mayo is that you can reach out via email to any physician or resident either in Arizona or Rochester and get a response from someone who is willing to guide you and also needs assistance on a research project. Don’t be afraid to send out emails! The worst that could happen is that you get no response, so then you move on to the next opportunity.
On that note, be aware that many opportunities will present to you during the first year, and you must learn how to say no and be wise with choosing what you commit to. You do want to be engaged and learn, but you do not want to overcommit to the point where your well-being and work quality begins to suffer. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Reading
1-2 times a month, read an entire research article. Read every word of every section, even those that you may not understand yet (especially the methods section). Google the unfamiliar terms to try to understand what they mean.
You will gain familiarity with every component of a publication and learn to keep the end goal in mind throughout any project.
Find articles in JAMA, NEJM, or specialty-specific journal websites. Access to most articles is granted through the Mayo library.
Learning
Take many (not all, but many) of the opportunities presented to you to develop research skills in your first year. Examples from first year include the Statistics selective, Data Science selective, the Journal Club Selective.
Sign up for research opportunities--then, learn how to do them. The slow pace and collaborative nature of research allow you to learn on the job. Don't shy away from opportunities because you don't know exactly how to do them yet. Importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions! It is much better to ask for clarification than to waste your time (not to mention that of the busy attendings and residents).
Also, don't worry about how interested you are in the field of a given project yet. For example, you might have no interest in pursuing neurology as a specialty, but you can gain valuable experience by collecting data from patient charts in EPIC if you participate in a neurology research project. Then, you will be able to contribute to other projects moving forward more easily because you will have skills with patient chart review.
Mindset
There are two research mindsets among medical students:
What can I produce? (i.e. how many research items can I get on my residency application; quantity)
What can I learn? (i.e. what question would I be interested in answering, what can I contribute to the existing body of knowledge, what is considered quality work)
Both mindsets are important since both a high number of publications and quality publications are important when applying to residency, but the latter is a more productive, effective, and growth-promoting mindset with which to approach research.
Simply put: pursue quantity and quality, but focus on quality.
This will get easier to do as time goes on and your research skills and experience develop. Focus on quantity first, and your ability to focus on quality will grow. Keep in mind for future interviews for residency or otherwise. You will be able to shine if you can speak in-depth about research that you are both passionate about and heavily involved with rather than one where you only did patient chart reviews and data collection.
Momentum
As you develop your research skillset and become involved in multiple projects, your participation in research will become easier and more productive. Once you get the ball rolling, it becomes much easier. So, don't worry if your progress seems slow at first. It will gradually get easier, and before you know it, you'll wonder what it was ever like to be worried about research in the first place.
Be reasonable with the work you take on and the timeline in which you commit to complete it. It is better to underpromise and overdeliver than vice versa.
Keep your interests in mind, and know that it is okay to cast a broad net at first. You'll learn to narrow down what you enjoy with time and experience and the pieces will fall into place.
If you would like a more in-depth step-by-step approach to research please refer to the student written guide below.
Helpful Resources
Preparing Manuscripts for Submission to Medical Journals: The Paper Trail by H. Gilbert Welch, MD, MPH
Mayo Podium Presentation template (*PPT file as of April 2024)
Mayo Poster template (*PPT file as of April 2024)
How to print a poster:
Find updated Mayo-branded temples on the intranet https://intranet.mayo.edu/charlie/brand-resource-center/self-serve-templates/
Submit your poster to the following link on the Mayo Intranet: https://intranet.mayo.edu/charlie/media-support-services/illustration-design/posters/poster-self-created/
Use the following PAU number to bill the medical school: 300-55009-0000 (updated October 2024)
The most straightforward place to send your poster is the Scottsdale campus. It usually can be found in the admin offices.
Tip: consider buying a poster mailing tube to protect your poster while traveling OR order a fabric poster to nicely fold into your luggage.
*please be sure to check the Mayo intranet for the most updated Mayo-branded templates. Submitting an old template may prevent or delay your poster from being printed.
The Research Guide for Mayo Clinic Medical Students
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse