Introduction 

 Starting my research journey as a medical student has been an incredible and transformative experience. In this article, I wholeheartedly share my personal journey, and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way, and offer friendly tips to fellow medical students who aspire to delve into the world of research. 

Seeking Research Opportunities  

I kicked off my research journey by actively seeking out opportunities around me. I made it a point to connect with individuals who were dedicated to research during my placement, attended interesting research seminars, and reached out to members involved in ongoing projects at my medical school. I also tapped into institutional resources like the Research and Education Society, run by fellow medical students, which kept me updated on social media about research opportunities specifically tailored for students like me. They shared info on joining research teams, editing and peer reviewing student research papers, grants to attend conferences, and even opportunities to connect with supervisors and learn about ongoing projects in my areas of interest. Embracing interactions and seizing opportunities in this way, simply by asking, became the key to getting involved early on. 

During my paediatrics rotation, my consultant (who was also my tutor) brought up the issue of safe handover for complex HDU patients in the Children’s Hospital. We had a great discussion, and we agreed that conducting an audit to evaluate the use of medical handover stickers would be a valuable project to work on together. 

On top of that, I attended a lively society fair hosted by the university, and that’s where I stumbled upon some fantastic external organisations and educational platforms specifically designed to help medical students like me who were eager to get involved in research. It was through this event that I formed a team with other enthusiastic medical students and doctors, and we joined forces to collaborate on our very first cross-sectional study. 

Connecting with Mentors 

Finding a mentor in research, especially in medicine, is crucial. When I started my first research project, lacking experience, having a mentor was a huge help. They guided and shared their expertise in experiment design, data analysis, and result interpretation. My mentor supported me throughout challenges, providing personal tips and resources to develop important skills. They also emphasized responsible research practices and connected me with experienced researchers, facilitating ethical approval and publication. Having a mentor not only boosts confidence but also opens doors for collaboration and networking, making it invaluable for a successful medical career. 

Collaborative Endeavours 

Through my audit project on medical handover stickers in the HDU at Children’s Hospital, I experienced the value of collaboration first-hand. Working closely with a diverse group including medical students, professors, and the multidisciplinary team, I sought advice from the clinical audit team for project objectives and methodology. The clinical administration team provided essential support, while collaboration with a statistics-specialized professor ensured accurate findings. Presenting the findings involved collaboration with the paediatric department to evaluate the situation and generate improvement ideas. Collaboration in research leads to expanded perspectives, critical thinking, and enhanced research quality. 

Presenting and Publishing 

Presenting my audit findings at the paediatrics department audit showcase was an incredible and enlightening experience. I learned how to effectively communicate my insights on the issues I identified and had the opportunity to receive feedback, engage in scientific discussions, and expand my audience. These interactions helped me refine and improve my re-audit, making it even more impactful. 

Additionally, the publication of our cross-sectional study mentioned earlier was a rewarding outcome. The publication process itself provided valuable lessons, emphasizing the importance of rigorous research methodology, proper data interpretation, and accurate representation of findings. Collaborating with my team, we navigated the peer-review process, addressing reviewer comments and making necessary revisions to ensure study quality and validity. This achievement significantly influenced my professional growth, solidifying my research understanding, honing my scientific writing skills, and establishing credibility in my field. Moreover, it added points for specialty applications. 

Tips for Getting Involved 

Overcoming Challenges 

Being involved in medical research as a student can be tough, especially when you have clinical commitments and a complex research project to handle. But I learned some helpful strategies that might work for you too. 

• Time management is key: Create a to-do list and allocate time for each task. 
• Stay flexible and adaptable: Be open to adjusting plans and going with the flow. 
• Keep in touch with supervisors: Update them regularly on workload and challenges for guidance. 
• Set realistic goals: Don’t overcommit; say no to tasks that don’t align with your goals. 
• Take care of yourself physically and mentally: Exercise and spend time with loved ones to recharge. 
• Seek guidance and support: Remember you’re not alone, be patient with yourself, and be willing to make changes. 

Remember, you’re not alone. Seek guidance, be patient with yourself, and be willing to make changes. You’ve got this! 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, my research journey as a medical student has been transformative and enriching. I hope to inspire and guide fellow students through my experiences and friendly tips. Embrace the challenges, seek mentorship, and approach research with curiosity and dedication. Good luck to all on your research adventures! 

References and Resources

• NIHR Engage with research https://www.nihr.ac.uk/health-and-care-professionals/engagement-and-participation-in-research/

Written by Natalie Ko (Final Year Medical Student at University of Bristol)

Reviewed by Nilesh Chatterjee, PhD