Pursuing research as a medical student can be challenging, especially when attending a school without a residency program or strong research opportunities. However, with persistence, creativity, and networking skills, you can still make significant contributions to the field. In this essay, we will explore tips and best practices for medical students who want to pursue research despite these challenges.

1. Find a Mentor

Having a mentor is a crucial factor in the success of your research endeavors as a medical student. A mentor provides guidance, support, and resources throughout your research journey. A good mentor should have experience in the field you are interested in, including a high level of academic productivity, and be willing to invest time and energy into your growth as a researcher.¹

To find a mentor, first identify attendings in your field of interest within your institution. If you cannot find any actively conducting research, consider looking outside your institution. To do so, search for potential mentors on PubMed, Scopus, or Google Scholar, and examine their publication output. Additionally, assess their interest in mentoring by checking their previous mentoring experience, which can be determined by contacting their coauthors or checking their social media profiles, such as Twitter and Instagram.

You may need to identify multiple possible mentors and contact them sequentially as not all mentors will be able to accept new mentees. Most times, simply emailing a principal investigator (PI) to ask for research opportunities is often not enough. Instead, try to be creative and develop or run a study, and then reach out to someone with a draft of your work asking for help to complete it. There are many research projects that can be done remotely using databases and tools, and many projects in one field can have universal applications. For example, a study on malpractice lawsuits among ophthalmology trainees² could be applied to urology trainees,³ or similarly a study on the quality of online information about a certain pathology or treatment in one field may apply to another.^4,5 If you possess research training or experience, such as statistical analysis abilities or an MPH/MS degree, emphasize it in your communication with potential mentors. Don’t become disheartened if you don’t receive a response initially, as mentors often have many commitments. A polite follow-up email can serve as a gentle reminder for them to respond.

Other avenues to gain experience include participating in journal clubs, attending research meetings, or shadowing in clinic. Also, strategically utilizing a summer break during medical school may provide time to embark on independent research projects, form connections, and gain valuable experience in the field. Most students interested in research opt into doing this between the first and second years of medical school.

Once a mentor has expressed interested in accepting you as a mentee, it is important to have open communication with your mentor and to set clear expectations from the start. A mentor-mentee relationship is a 2-way partnership, and as a mentee, you should be proactive in seeking feedback and support from your mentor. Regular check-ins, updates on your progress, and an open dialogue about any challenges you may be facing will strengthen the relationship and help ensure the success of your research project(s). Having a mentor who is also the PI of your research project is particularly beneficial, as it can streamline the process and help ensure that your project is well designed and properly executed.

2. Be a Good Mentee

As a medical student seeking a mentor, it is important to be proactive and demonstrate your dedication and commitment to the research project.⁶ Here are specific steps you can take to be a good mentee:

• Engage with previous mentees: If your potential mentor has previously mentored medical students, reach out to them and ask about their experience. These individuals can offer valuable insights into the mentor’s working style and provide tips on how to be successful. Additionally, befriending previous mentees can be beneficial, as they are usually 1 to 2 years ahead of you and may be able to offer more specific guidance than your mentor, who may have graduated from medical school years ago. By networking with previous mentees, you can establish connections that may help you to identify research opportunities, and to collaborate on future projects.
• Identify ways to improve research efficiency: As a mentee, you can suggest ways to streamline the research process and increase efficiency. This could include using online tools or databases, collaborating with other researchers, adopting new research methods, or streamlining a platform (ie, create/organize a Google Drive document that contains an ongoing research project).
• Find avenues to promote research: It is important to disseminate your research findings through conferences, publications, and other channels. Work with your mentor to identify the best opportunities to share your work with others in the field.
• Regularly communicate with your mentor: Regular check-ins and updates on your progress are important for maintaining a strong mentor-mentee relationship. Keep your mentor informed of any challenges you may be facing and be open to feedback and suggestions.
• Avoid overpromising: It is not uncommon to stretch oneself thin, particularly when embarking on the research process. Refrain from committing to a project if you are unable to allocate sufficient time to it, given the extensive time investment required for research. Your prospects for future collaborations may be impacted if you are known for consistently missing deadlines and taking an extended amount of time to respond. Declining a proposition is preferable to agreeing to it and ultimately disappointing others.

Remember that a good mentor is an invaluable resource, but it is up to you as the mentee to take the initiative and make the most of the opportunity.

3. Understand the Different Types of Publications and Meetings

It is important to understand the different types of publications available to researchers. A publication is a written work that has been accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. An abstract is a brief summary of a research article. Meetings are conferences or seminars where researchers can submit their abstracts, present their work, and network with other researchers.

Google Scholar displays both peer-reviewed publications and abstract publications presented at conferences. PubMed only displays peer-reviewed publications of PubMed-indexed journals. It is important to note that many journals are not indexed by PubMed. Additionally, not all conferences publish abstracts that were presented. Within the realm of publications, there are different types of articles, including literature reviews, case studies, commentaries, and original research.⁷ The process of publishing research as a medical student can pose financial challenges, as many journals require payment for publication. However, some journals have taken steps to mitigate this issue. For instance, Florida medical students can consider using the Florida Medical Student Research Publications (FMSRP) channel within the Cureus Journal of Medical Science. This platform offers free publication opportunities, aimed at increasing authorship among medical students.

While a journal publication is a widely recognized accomplishment in the field, presenting research at meetings and conferences can also serve to establish a student’s reputation and provide useful networking opportunities. Attending meetings and conferences can also incur significant expenses, such as travel and accommodation costs. Nonetheless, medical students may consider traveling in groups or seeking funding through their institution as aid. A mentor or PI can also be invaluable in guiding the student in selecting suitable journals or conferences for publication and presentation.

4. Develop a Simple Approach to Writing and Seek Feedback

As a novice in scientific writing, it is essential to be open to feedback tips given by experienced editors. One effective approach to writing a scientific manuscript is to focus on clear, concise, and well-structured writing. In the Introduction section, provide a brief background, highlight the gap in knowledge that your study aims to address, state your hypothesis, and clearly outline the objective of the study. In the Discussion section, summarize the gap in understanding addressed by the study, critically evaluate the major findings, explore additional findings and their relationship to existing literature, acknowledge the limitations of the study, discuss future research directions, and provide a clear conclusion and impact statement.

5. Take Advantage of Resources and Programs

Coursera. Coursera offers a number of online courses related to statistics and research methodology that can be helpful for medical students. Some relevant courses include “Introduction to Data Science in Python,” “Data Analysis and Statistical Inference,” and “Data Management and Visualization.”

YouTube. YouTube can be a great resource for medical students looking to learn more about research methodology and statistics. Some channels to check out include Crash Course Statistics, StatQuest with Josh Starmer, and Khan Academy Statistics.

Twitter. Twitter has emerged as a highly effective tool for building and maintaining connections within the urology community, and its usage has surged in recent years.⁸ In addition to its networking benefits, Twitter can serve as a valuable source of information on residency programs, events, and social activities for residents.⁹ The platform has also gained popularity in other fields, including orthopedics, where it is utilized to showcase research publications, presentations, and professional achievements, as well as to stay up to date on the latest developments in the field. Overall, Twitter offers an excellent opportunity to enhance one’s visibility and reputation within the medical community. Lastly, it is worth noting that certain Twitter profiles, including @Uro_Res and @UroResidency, offer regular updates on urology programs that provide research opportunities. These accounts can be beneficial resources for individuals looking to stay informed about the latest developments in the field and identify potential opportunities for professional growth.

Specific Programs for Minorities. Participating in research programs geared toward minority medical students can provide additional support and resources to help overcome the challenges of pursuing research as a medical student. These programs can provide significant opportunities to work with experienced researchers, receive mentorship, and access funding and resources that can help enhance the research process. Some programs also provide a supportive community for minority students to network, build relationships, and share their experiences. Research programs for minority students can be found at various academic institutions and medical or public health agencies. Such programs aim to increase the representation and success of underrepresented minority students in research.

6. Do You Need to Take a Research Year?

A research year is a highly sought-after and increasingly common experience among medical students. A research year offers medical students the chance to expand their knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of their chosen field. It can also provide a unique perspective on the research process, including the planning and execution of a project, data analysis, and communication of results. A research year is also an excellent way to build a skill set in research through formal coursework. Furthermore, building relationships with mentors and experts in the field can provide students with invaluable resources and opportunities as they begin to navigate the residency process.

While many students have been accepted into urology programs without prior publications, having research experience and publications can increase the likelihood of being selected for competitive programs. A 2020 study determined that medical students accepted into top 50 urology programs had an average of 2.38 ± 4.19 PubMed publications. The study also found that 38.8% of students had no publications.¹⁰ However, the impact of the Step 1 exam transitioning to a pass/fail scoring system on research productivity’s importance in the selection process remains unclear. A 2023 study identified that the pre-residency h-index, a metric that measures an author’s productivity and citation impact, was strongly associated with the production of urology residents.¹¹

Ultimately, an honest mentor can help you evaluate your competitiveness based on several factors, including your research experience, work ethic, and ability to work effectively as part of a team.

In conclusion, pursuing research as a medical student can be challenging, but with persistence, creativity, and effective networking, you can make a meaningful contribution to the field. Embrace the research process wholeheartedly. If you find a topic you are passionate about, you will likely find it both fulfilling and beneficial for your professional growth and your future career as a physician.

Since its inception in 2002, the Residents and Fellows Committee has represented the voice of trainee members of the AUA. The Committee’s mission is to address the educational and professional needs of urology residents and fellows, and promote engagement between residents and fellows and the AUA. The Committee welcomes your input and feedback! To contact the Committee, or to inquire about ways to get more involved, please email rescommittee@AUAnet.org.