research
Mentorship Governs Your Relationship with Research
By: Ambreen Deol What decides whether you fall in love with research or avoid it altogether as your career takes shape? Your capabilities and academic rigor? Partly. But the real governing factor, especially when you're starting out, is mentorship. During my nearly six years of medical school in India, I got almost zero exposure to research. We crammed theory, regurgitated it onto exam papers, and rotated through wards. Research wasn't part of the curriculum, and no one really talked about it. When reading through a textbook, questions would pop into my head. Has anyone tried this? What if we did it this way? How do we know how this works? I'd just sit with the question, because I didn't know I could simply look something up. I had no clue what PubMed was. In most Indian medical colleges, the focus is overwhelmingly clinical, not academic. The advice that wasn't actionable...
How One Question Led Me to Surgical Research: A Guide for Women in Medicine
Author: Hala AlDabbous For many medical students, research can feel like an intimidating, distant world, something reserved for residents or those with connections. I used to think the same. What I’ve learned, however, is that research is not a privilege, it is a skill, and like any skill in medicine, it can be learned, practiced, and developed over time. My journey into research didn’t begin with confidence. It began with curiosity. The turning point came during the recent surge in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in Kuwait. As these medications became increasingly popular, I found myself drawn not to their well known benefits, but to their less discussed clinical effects. I began to wonder what kinds of patients we might start seeing as a result, and whether there were patterns we had yet to fully understand. That curiosity made the topic feel real and relevant, something unfolding in front...
Bridges & Breakthroughs: International Medical Graduate’s (IMG’s) Preclinical Research Experience
Author: Shivani Chaudhary (M.B.B.S, M.S General Surgery) Today, I want to share a deeply personal journey of resilience and perseverance which happened during my 2.5 years of preclinical neuro-oncology research. My research years began after I had already completed three grueling years of general surgery residency training, followed by a year of service at a community health center as part of my commitment to the Indian government. The excitement of landing a funded research position in a field I was passionate about was palpable, but I had no idea what challenges lay ahead. The first three months were a whirlwind of emotions that ranged from exciting yet intimidating. I was thrust into the entirely new realm of glioblastoma research, where I had to master unfamiliar techniques and learn a completely new scientific language. I even had to confront my deep-seated fear of handling mice. There were days when self-doubt crept...
Crafting Your Residency Professional Development (Research) Years
Authors: Paulina M. Gutkin, MD1, Nensi M. Ruzgar, MD, MHS2 1Stanford University, Stanford, CA 2Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Many academic general surgical residency programs offer 1-2 years of protected, non-clinical time as an opportunity to pursue research interests, advanced degrees, or select fellowships. This typically takes place after 2-3 years of clinical training. Deciding how to best approach this time requires thoughtful consideration of several key questions. What is my end goal? There are numerous career paths in surgery, and each may warrant a different approach to protected time. It is okay to not have a fully defined career path yet. Rather than focusing on details, it may be helpful to frame these years as an opportunity to establish a strong foundation and develop a specific skillset or area of expertise. If considering fellowship, early reflection on subspecialty interests is valuable. Data from NRMP 2025 Match1 highlight varying competitiveness...
From Passion to Purpose: My Journey as a 22-Year-Old Mexican Woman Towards General Surgery
by Paula Nieto Passion is a powerful engine that drives us toward our goals and dreams. When it is directed toward the well-being of others, it transforms into a meaningful purpose. As a 22-year-old woman in Mexico, my aspiration to specialize in general surgery is deeply rooted in the desire to serve others and make a difference in their lives. Currently, I am conducting a year of research to deepen my understanding of the field and enhance my skills as I prepare for my future in surgery. My family background, through which I have been involved for ten years with the association Amigo-Tez, supporting children from low-income communities in Mexico, has greatly shaped my perspective on medicine and medical practice. A Legacy of Service I come from a family that has dedicated its life to serving others. Since I was young, I have witnessed the impact we can have on...
Tools for Empowering Female Medical Students in Research
By Xiomara Ortiz As a fourth-year medical student with aspirations of becoming a surgeon, engaging in research is an essential and fulfilling step in your career journey. Research allows you to deepen your understanding of surgical practices, hone your critical thinking skills, and build meaningful connections with mentors and colleagues who can guide your professional development. However, for female medical students, particularly those from smaller programs or non-traditional educational backgrounds, initiating or finding research opportunities can be challenging. This guide provides practical advice on how to get started and make the most of your research experience. Attend events and join professional organizations Networking is a cornerstone for finding research opportunities, especially if your medical school lacks integrated research programs. Begin by evaluating your current network and identifying your goals. Do you wish to gain insight into a particular surgical specialty? Are you aiming to publish papers or participate in clinical...
From Sci-Fi to Surgery: Exploring Neuro-Enhancement Technologies
By Larissa Werneck For centuries, the idea of enhancing human cognition has captivated scientists and thinkers alike. Early experiments in brain augmentation, such as Roberts Bartholow’s 1874 electrical brain stimulation, laid the foundation for further exploration (Patra et al., 2019). Today, rapid technological advancements and increasing scientific curiosity have led to a surge in neuro-enhancement research (Clark et al., 2014). These innovations are revolutionizing healthcare, particularly in surgery, where they are used therapeutically (Giordano, 2012) and to enhance surgical performance (Patel et al., 2020). As research in this area expands, neuro-enhancement technologies hold the potential to revolutionize surgical practice, pushing the limits of precision, stamina, and ethics. How will this rapidly evolving field reshape the future of surgery? Neuro-enhancement technologies are various tools aimed at optimizing cognitive and neurological functions, either by enhancing existing abilities or compensating for deficits (Giordano, 2012). Examples of these technologies include brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), neurofeedback...
Feeling Behind in Medical School and in Life
By Jenna Dvorsky Medical school is a long, challenging path with delayed gratification. For the majority of those that choose to take this route, the four years of medical school occur during the prime years of early adulthood. This is true for myself, as a 26-year-old who has just completed my third year. When I first started medical school at 23, I knew I had a demanding road ahead. Despite knowing the grueling nature of medical school, I expected that I would go through my four years seamlessly with my head down, focused on becoming a doctor. I had goals to do well in my pre-clinical years, excel on my board exams, and honor every rotation. While I have had great successes the last few years that I am extremely proud of, medical school has proven to be a trying time with bumps in the road. I’ve had multiple personal...
Applying to Residency as a Caribbean IMG
By: Miranda Montion Medical school, regardless of where someone attends, will come with obstacles. Regardless of who you know, your previous experiences, or what school you go to, students will share similar experiences during didactics and clinical rotations and in a way it’s comforting. Each day we are surrounded by peers that understand what we are going through more than most. I have had some experiences as a Caribbean student that I wished I had been aware of sooner. As I have progressed through rotations and various experiences, I found some things helpful along my journey, which I have listed below. I hope these will give you some encouragement and guidance during this wonderful, hectic, exciting, and stressful time of your life. Be proactive about your goals With my experience, most of my guidance and support has been from my colleagues and recent alumni. Reach out to these people when...
Navigating Science Policy as a Medical Doctor: Strategies for Engaging Beyond the Clinic
By Sewar Banimusa, MS3 In the realm of healthcare, the influence of medical doctors transcends the boundaries of clinicalsettings. Beyond diagnosing ailments and administering treatments, there lies a realm wheremedical professionals wield the power to shape policies that profoundly impact the health andwell-being of entire populations. Engaging in science policy empowers medical doctors toharness their expertise and advocate for evidence-based solutions to pressing health challenges. Science policy encompasses the intersection of science, technology, and society - guidingdecisions that affect research funding, healthcare delivery, public health initiatives, and regulatory frameworks. For physicians, involvement in science policy represents an opportunity to contribute to the greater good and drive positive change beyond individual patient interactions. Navigating the landscape of science policy can seem daunting at first, but there are numerous opportunities to start navigating your passion. Here are some ways to start your science policy career: Joining professional organizations dedicated to health policy...
