<p>Hey everyone, how's it going? I'm new to the boards and I've got a question about research opportunities.</p>
<p>Well, I'm a Junior right now and I'm interested in applying to some combined med programs next year. I've been reading through some of the threads and from what I've gathered, research experience is pretty important in admissions. My question is how would one go about finding a research opportunity? Is there still time left for me to pursue something like that? I was hoping I'd be able to do it during the summer or something. And, if you guys have any other advice, by all means, SHARE! Thanks!</p>
<p>I know that this isn't what you want to hear, but...do it because you love it, not because you want to put it on your resume. I found that in the interviews that I went to, my research experience hardly came up; they wanted to know about me as a person. The med programs are looking for personalities and the <em>right</em> reasons to study medicine, and they will see immediately if you're doing research because you're truly passionate about it, or because you thought it would look good. </p>
<p>Research may be important in admissions, but it is by no means a guarantee nor a requirement. As to your original question, research opportunities are everywhere, and they're also what you make of them. The local university can be just as good or better than an NIH internship, depending on your commitment and interest level. Contact professors and tell them about your interest in their research; with luck you may find a position, even though now is the time when summer lab jobs are filling up.</p>
<p>Haha yeah my first post made it seem as if I would want to do research JUST for the application, and I understand your point. However, I truly am interested in gaining some extra experience in the medical field. How did you get the opportunity to do research though? Did you just stumble upon it one day or did you actively seek it out at a university near you?</p>