<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I have a question regarding undergrad research and medically-focused internships/programs. I am pre-med and was thinking of doing something like this for the summer, but I have NO idea how to go about it. I know there are several programs, but the deadlines are quickly approaching and I don't qualify for many (I am only a freshman and I have no research experience). </p>
<p>Should I just contact a lab/hospital/individual if I am seeking research opportunities? Any suggestions of programs, I only know of a couple right now. Programs/Internships related to public health, policy, or gov't are also appreciated. Keep in mind that I only have 1 semester under my belt, so I am obviously not necessarily the best qualified candidate...</p>
<p>Thx!!</p>
<p>It depends on location. It is almost impossible to get into anything in our city. Even some volunteering positions have huge waiting lists. So, D. is doing most of it during school year at her college. She did not have any difficulties getting into volunteering of her choice that involved extensive training. The same was for Med. Research internship, got in right away and has been doing it for awhile. She also got an awesome job on campus, (not jobs, not dirty, stinky job is available in our city in a summer, unless you have some connections - better be your parents). According to her experience, everything was much easier at college. She was able to do some volunteering and shadowing, but she was very diligent in her search, looking everywhere, contacting all possible places.
Yes, contact everybody who might have something. Qualifications means nothing, connections mean everything.</p>
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<p>Truer words have never been spoken! This is exactly the case with shadowing and research. My strategy was to find someone to shadow and someone to research with (both of these I did through cold emails–research was during frosh year, shadowing was winter of soph), then let all future experiences stem from their connections.</p>
<p>Worked wonders. Good luck.</p>
<p>And don’t stress out about “needing” to do a research program this summer. You’re still young! You have plenty of time. The summer after my freshman year I did nothing–I had a good time with my friends and had an easy summer job–and I’ll be an M1 in the fall :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the good wishes and advice. I just feel like I really need to do things to keep up with other high-acheving students lol, I’m kind of stressing a bit much I guess. Sorry, what does M1 mean?</p>
<p>An M1 is a first year medical student. Kristin5792 is saying she has been accepted to medical school (congrats, btw!).</p>