Tools for Empowering Female Medical Students in Research

22 Jan 2025

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 trials? Once you clarify your objectives, seek out mentors or faculty members whose research aligns with your interests.

Diversify with your mentors

Building relationships with mentors requires effort and persistence. A proactive approach involves contacting experienced surgeons and expressing genuine interest in their work. Participating in conferences, workshops, or surgical interest group meetings can provide opportunities to meet potential mentors. For female students, organizations like the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) offer invaluable resources, including mentoring programs and events that connect you with professionals who can provide guidance. Even if your school lacks an AWS chapter, becoming a member can grant access to national resources and expand your network. Additionally, having multiple mentors can provide well-rounded support. For example, one mentor might focus on research, another on clinical skills, and another on emotional support or career strategy. This strategy allows you to benefit from diverse perspectives and expertise, enhancing your personal and professional development.

Reach out to mentors through cold-emailing

For students without immediate research opportunities, reaching out through “cold emails” can be an effective strategy. If your institution has a Level 1 trauma center or academic surgical department, identify faculty members, residents, or statisticians who may need assistance with ongoing projects. Craft a thoughtful and personalized email expressing your interest in their work and how you can contribute. While cold-emailing may lead to more non-responses than replies, persistence often pays off.

 


Learn basic research skills

Once you secure a research opportunity, focus on acquiring foundational research skills to ensure a strong start. Familiarize yourself with literature review techniques and tools like PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Don’t hesitate to ask your mentor for guidance or utilize your institution’s library resources to strengthen your knowledge base.


Show your gratitude and stay persistent

Always express appreciation for the time and guidance provided by your mentors and colleagues. Whether through thank-you notes or consistent follow-ups, showing gratitude strengthens professional relationships and fosters future collaboration. Additionally, it is important to complete tasks on schedule or communicate early if deadlines cannot be met. Keeping the team you’re working with informed of your progress and potential delays helps maintain trust and ensures everyone is aligned on expectations.

By focusing on networking, cultivating mentorships, and remaining proactive, you can overcome challenges and find research opportunities that align with your goals. For female medical students, organizations like AWS can provide additional support to thrive in the surgical field. With patience, persistence, and dedication, you’ll lay the foundation for a successful career in surgery.


About the Author: Xiomara Ortiz

Headshot of Xiomara Ortiz

I am a fourth-year medical graduate candidate from Ross University School of Medicine with a strong passion for the surgical field, particularly colorectal surgery. Born in Puerto Rico, I am a native Spanish speaker, which has given me the privilege of serving underserved communities in Miami, where I currently reside. As I prepare to apply for the next Match cycle, I dedicate my time to organizing health fairs for these communities—a rewarding way to give back while further enhancing my clinical skills

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