*** Dear IMG research volunteers ***
We all understand you want to get some research experience and would like to have that help towards residency match. Many of us have been there. It is difficult to find a spot as we only have so much space/time.
Tips:
1/x
We all understand you want to get some research experience and would like to have that help towards residency match. Many of us have been there. It is difficult to find a spot as we only have so much space/time.
Tips:
1/x
Make your e-mails very specific to the person you want to work with. I presume 5 messages with the right context and background, and to the right person, will be more effective than spam mass e-mail.
2/x
2/x
You need to make your skills attractive to the person you are writing. To do that you must commit to your ultimate field of interest in medicine. Don't be general - be very specific.
3/x
3/x
Make every effort possible to read and align with the lab you want to join. It is best if you can come with some lab skills (I know chicken and egg...). Saying you can write papers, know Excel or can do basic stats does not help.
4/x
4/x
For instance, if you are interested in oncology, know we don't care if you have done ICU rotations or can assist in surgery - in fact, it is negative. Your personal hobbies and interest are also of no value in creating differences in your favor for research spots.
5/x
5/x
Cite 3-4 papers of the lab you want to join and why you find them interesting, and that you have some ideas to contribute. Also good for you that you volunteer, but that does not help create attention.
Your USMLE scores are not of much help for these matters.
6/x
Your USMLE scores are not of much help for these matters.
6/x
We get many emails for requests like this. I presume people buy bulk mailing list. I get about 7-10 per day. The vast majority I delete in just a few seconds. That is the sad reality. But I always scan them. And I know landing a research spot can make a big difference.
7/x
7/x
Remember, I just scan them. If it does not catch my eyes it will be immediately deleted- even if you come with self-pay (volunteer). No matter what, it is always extra work for a PI to bring in fellows. We can only take 1/2 people per year. Yet we get thousands of mails
8/x
8/x
My last tip: commit to 2 years. No one wants to have someone visit for a short time and make that just a check on their resume. It is likely that in 2 years, you will have projects and papers.
I wish you all the best. I also was an IMG.
END
I wish you all the best. I also was an IMG.
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