<p>Hey guy I want to be a doctor and attend a top bsmd program. However, I'm having trouble figuring out what type of ECs to do. The only medically related ECs I have are volunteering and shadowing. I'm not sure where to go about finding research or anything like that. Can someone please offer some insight as to what I should be doing (esp this summer). I want to go to Brown PLME or Case PPSP. Thank you</p>
<p>Volunteering and shadowing are great ways to show interest. I can tell you that for programs such as PLME at Brown (I’m a current student), they really want to see that you’re interesting beyond your interest in medicine. Do things you’re passionate about!</p>
<p>If you do want to do research, the best way to get involved is by contacting professors individually at your local research university. The website should have contact information.</p>
<p>So would it be appropriate for me to contact a prof I don’t know and ask to do research? I mean, I don’t even know anything about research im still in high school. What could I even do?</p>
<p>bumpppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp</p>
<p>there are many ways to get involved with research! There are many high school outreach programs around, which is what I personally applied for. These will require applications and interviews, but they pay off by landing you research internships at pretty prestigious places. I personally live in a bustling metropolitan area, so there were many of these kinds of opportunities available to me.</p>
<p>Another great way is if you know a professor or a doctor, or anyone you feel could ask around for you for research positions. Connections are a great asset!</p>
<p>But yes, a third way to be a part of research is to email professors(yes professors you don’t know) if there is any research you can help them with. Professors are nice, so even if they aren’t willing to shell anything out to a high-schooler they won’t blacklist you are anything. There is definitely no harm in sending many emails to many professors. Through this method, one of my friends landed a paid job doing the grunt-work(gel-electrophoresis and the like) for cancer research at a local university. </p>
<p>One thing–you have to be proactive about it, otherwise you won’t get anything. Getting research requires work and putting yourself out there.</p>
<p>I e-mailed multiple professors at a nearby research university. Most of them didn’t respond, except one did and offered a co-publishing opportunity. It’s okay to e-mail, the worst that can happen is a no response. </p>
<p>@thestartingline, user name based off of the band?</p>
<p>Thanks great ideas guys!</p>
<p>@Practical: I saw that you’re interested in PPSP. I got into the program this year, although I chose not to attend. If you want, PM me and I can share my experience applying, interviewing, etc.</p>
<p>@practical…I’m in the same situation as you. I’d love to get involved with some kind of research internship or shadowing but have no idea where to start. Message me or something and we can share whatever info we both have? Lemme know! Ty. I’ve been looking into some programs around my area too.</p>
<p>i’m with you guys too! no research opportunities that i can find so far…:(</p>