4 answers
Srin
Student
Wayne, New Jersey
2
Questions
Asked
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How would I write a research paper, or involve myself in medical research?
I am a sophomore in high school in Wayne, NJ. I would like to write a research paper, work on a medical project, or work with a professional in the medical field and create a project. Where can I start, and what is the process?
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4 answers
Tara Smith
Flight Paramedic
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Tara’s Answer
I love to hear your interest in medical research! There may be opportunities within your high school labs or local college to get involved with some projects in a lab, but in the meantime you could read some medical journals online to get a feel for reporting research. Typically you want to search for articles that are "peer-reviewed" which gives them scientific credibility. I find that my research writing improves the more studies I read. You become familiar with the terminology and the components of research i.e. type of study - empirical, correlation etc , participants, methods, results, and so on. It will make you a strong researcher and valuable to the medical community.
Also, maybe reach out to a hospital or clinic near you to see if there is a volunteer program or even part-time employment that may provide you with some medical experience. Be sure to share your goals around medical research, so they know your interest is sincere. Best of luck!
Also, maybe reach out to a hospital or clinic near you to see if there is a volunteer program or even part-time employment that may provide you with some medical experience. Be sure to share your goals around medical research, so they know your interest is sincere. Best of luck!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Srin
Jessica Ortiz, PHR, MBA, MPA
7
Answers
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
What is a medical topic that you are considering?
What’s your “why” for wanting to work with a professional in medical field?
What’s your timeline for project?
Approximately how much time will you need to connect with a medical professional?
Will you have your questions ready to review with medical professional?
A couple of options to consider:
-reach out to your local community college and connect with a career counselor to see if he/she can refer you to a medical leader in your area
-if the medical professional is located out of state, look up their website or email address send a concise email explaining what you are trying to accomplish, etc
This should help you get the project moving. Good luck and can’t wait to hear about your project!⭐️
What’s your “why” for wanting to work with a professional in medical field?
What’s your timeline for project?
Approximately how much time will you need to connect with a medical professional?
Will you have your questions ready to review with medical professional?
A couple of options to consider:
-reach out to your local community college and connect with a career counselor to see if he/she can refer you to a medical leader in your area
-if the medical professional is located out of state, look up their website or email address send a concise email explaining what you are trying to accomplish, etc
This should help you get the project moving. Good luck and can’t wait to hear about your project!⭐️
Thank you so much! I'll check this out.
Srin
Mbah Wai-Tanyi Aguh
Agronomist
48
Answers
New Rochelle, New York
Updated
Mbah Wai-Tanyi’s Answer
As a sophomore in high school, it's great that you're interested in medical research. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
9Research Paper:
1. *Choose a topic*: Select a medical topic that interests you, such as a disease, treatment, or medical technology. Ensure it's specific and manageable for a high school student.
2. *Conduct literature review*: Read and analyze existing research papers, articles, and books on your topic. Take notes and organize the information.
3. *Develop a research question*: Based on your literature review, create a specific research question or hypothesis.
4. *Create an outline*: Organize your ideas and structure your paper with an introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.
5. *Write and edit*: Write your paper, following a standard format (e.g., APA, MLA). Edit and proofread carefully.
6. *Get feedback*: Share your paper with teachers, mentors, or peers for feedback and improvement.
Medical Project:
1. *Identify a problem*: Research and identify a medical problem or challenge that interests you.
2. *Develop a solution*: Brainstorm and design a potential solution, such as a device, app, or treatment.
3. *Create a prototype*: Build a prototype or model of your solution.
4. *Test and refine*: Test your prototype, gather data, and refine your design.
5. *Present your project*: Share your project with teachers, mentors, or at science fairs.
*Working with a Professional:*
1. *Find a mentor*: Reach out to medical professionals, researchers, or professors in your desired field.
2. *Discuss project ideas*: Share your interests and ideas with your mentor, and get feedback and guidance.
3. *Collaborate on a project*: Work with your mentor to design and implement a project, such as data analysis, experiments, or literature review.
4. *Present your work*: Share your project with your mentor, teachers, or at conferences.
*Resources and Opportunities:*
1. *Science fairs and competitions*: Participate in local, regional, or national science fairs, such as the Intel Science Talent Search or the Science Olympiad.
2. *Research programs*: Look for high school research programs, such as the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) or the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's (HHMI) High School Research Program.
3. *Mentorship programs*: Join programs like the American Academy of Medical Research's (AAMR) Mentorship Program or the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HISTEP).
4. *Online resources*: Utilize online platforms, such as the National Library of Medicine's (NLM) PubMed, to access medical research articles and databases.
*Getting Started in Wayne, NJ:*
1. *Reach out to local hospitals or research institutions*: Contact hospitals, universities, or research institutions in your area, such as the Wayne Memorial Hospital or the New Jersey Medical School.
2. *Talk to your teachers or school administrators*: Share your interests with your teachers or school administrators, and ask for guidance or recommendations.
3. *Join science clubs or organizations*: Participate in science clubs, such as the Science Olympiad or the American Red Cross, to meet like-minded students and professionals.
Remember to stay focused, persistent, and patient. Medical research requires dedication and hard work, but it can be a rewarding and enriching experience.
9Research Paper:
1. *Choose a topic*: Select a medical topic that interests you, such as a disease, treatment, or medical technology. Ensure it's specific and manageable for a high school student.
2. *Conduct literature review*: Read and analyze existing research papers, articles, and books on your topic. Take notes and organize the information.
3. *Develop a research question*: Based on your literature review, create a specific research question or hypothesis.
4. *Create an outline*: Organize your ideas and structure your paper with an introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.
5. *Write and edit*: Write your paper, following a standard format (e.g., APA, MLA). Edit and proofread carefully.
6. *Get feedback*: Share your paper with teachers, mentors, or peers for feedback and improvement.
Medical Project:
1. *Identify a problem*: Research and identify a medical problem or challenge that interests you.
2. *Develop a solution*: Brainstorm and design a potential solution, such as a device, app, or treatment.
3. *Create a prototype*: Build a prototype or model of your solution.
4. *Test and refine*: Test your prototype, gather data, and refine your design.
5. *Present your project*: Share your project with teachers, mentors, or at science fairs.
*Working with a Professional:*
1. *Find a mentor*: Reach out to medical professionals, researchers, or professors in your desired field.
2. *Discuss project ideas*: Share your interests and ideas with your mentor, and get feedback and guidance.
3. *Collaborate on a project*: Work with your mentor to design and implement a project, such as data analysis, experiments, or literature review.
4. *Present your work*: Share your project with your mentor, teachers, or at conferences.
*Resources and Opportunities:*
1. *Science fairs and competitions*: Participate in local, regional, or national science fairs, such as the Intel Science Talent Search or the Science Olympiad.
2. *Research programs*: Look for high school research programs, such as the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) or the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's (HHMI) High School Research Program.
3. *Mentorship programs*: Join programs like the American Academy of Medical Research's (AAMR) Mentorship Program or the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HISTEP).
4. *Online resources*: Utilize online platforms, such as the National Library of Medicine's (NLM) PubMed, to access medical research articles and databases.
*Getting Started in Wayne, NJ:*
1. *Reach out to local hospitals or research institutions*: Contact hospitals, universities, or research institutions in your area, such as the Wayne Memorial Hospital or the New Jersey Medical School.
2. *Talk to your teachers or school administrators*: Share your interests with your teachers or school administrators, and ask for guidance or recommendations.
3. *Join science clubs or organizations*: Participate in science clubs, such as the Science Olympiad or the American Red Cross, to meet like-minded students and professionals.
Remember to stay focused, persistent, and patient. Medical research requires dedication and hard work, but it can be a rewarding and enriching experience.
This is a lot of useful information, thank you!
Srin
Katrina Voe Cotton, MD, PhD, MBA
Anesthesiologist
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Katrina Voe’s Answer
I have both a medical degree and a PhD in molecular genetics research and I began my journey just like you - in high school! I was lucky enough to reside in a city that housed a major medical research center. That's exactly where you should start your journey. Most leading research institutions offer summer programs for high school students, providing you with a mentor in a specific field. This not only introduces you to fellow students and young enthusiasts with similar interests but also helps you discover a topic that truly ignites your passion. Once you've taken that first step and joined one of these programs, there's no stopping you - the sky's the limit! You might even have the opportunity to continue working on this project, or something akin to it, during your college years and beyond. You're on the brink of an exciting journey. You just need to make that first step.
Find a summer program for highschool students in medical research
Katrina Voe recommends the following next steps:
Thanks for your encouragement!
Srin