Research- Getting Started

A research project is almost always going to take longer than you think it will. But, a focused project is doable! You will probably want to budget between 100-200 hours of dedicated work to have the best opportunity to present an abstract at a conference.  The best window to work on research begins in January of your first year, continues throughout the summer between years one and two, and concludes in February or March of your second year.  While research opportunities may present themselves during the third or fourth years, this 12- to 14-month gap is ideal for starting projects that can result in dissemination (conference abstracts, presentations, etc.) during the third or fourth years.

OMS-I

• Student doctors should begin to consider plans for pursuing research early in the first semester.  While this initial semester should primarily be spent adjusting to the rigorous academics, honing study skills, and time management, students can consider research interests, locate research mentors, and familiarize themselves with opportunities at ICOM and in the community. 
• Applications for Mentored Research Grants begin in January, so begin having meetings with your research mentor in November.
• The spring semester is an excellent time to take Research Independent Study 9003 (register in early January), hone research questions, and do literature reviews, in preparation for spending the summer involved in a research project.
• Student doctor research can be completed in small allotments during the academic year but the best time to make the most progress is during the summer between the first and second year.
• Consider signing up for Research Independent Study 9001 in the summer.

OMS-II

• Continue working on the project you started earlier in the year during the fall semester of your second year. If you had good results, this is a great time to present a poster at a conference or write up a project for publication.
• Consider applying for the Student Research Travel Grant to receive funding to present your research.
• Beginning in January you should taper your research activity so that you can be devoted to studying for the COMLEX level 1 exam.

OMS-III

• One of your mandatory rotations during the third year is Scholarly Activity.  In this rotation, you will search and synthesize the literature to design a research study of your choosing.
• Consider applying for the Student Research Travel Grant to receive funding to present your research.
• During this year look for opportunities to conduct research with your preceptors.  
• Apply for funds to present research at a regional conference through the Student Research Travel Grant 

OMS-IV

• If you've started a project but didn't have time to finish it, consider signing up for the Mentored Scholarly Project elective.
• Consider applying for the Student Research Travel Grant to receive funding to present your research.
• During this year look for opportunities to conduct research with your preceptors.
• Apply for funds to present research at a regional conference through the Student Research Travel Grant