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How to Find a Research Mentor
MEMORANDUM
TO: MSSM Students
FROM: Karen Zier, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Medical Student Research
- The first step is to decide what area you are interested in and to
find
a preceptor. Having a preceptor is like having a private tutor, someone
who knows you personally and can help to guide you. If this is a summer
project, you also need identify a source of funding. If this is an
elective, that is not an issue. For a summer project, you should try to
start your work as an elective during the spring semester.
- Once you have an idea of your area of interest, look through the Medical Student Research Office Web site. This site contains
entries by faculty members who are interested in mentoring students in
basic or clinical projects.
- Since not every participating faculty member is included in the site, another approach
is
to get a list of faculty members in a particular department. Then, do a
Medline search to see what he or she has published in the last few years
allowing you to know what the individual is doing.
- Once you have found something you like, make an appointment by email
or
phone to talk more with the person. Space is often limited and time always
is. You will increase your chances of being invited to join the group if
you have taken the time to find out what the person works on, since this
will attest to your sincere interest and enable you to participate in a
discussion.
- Funding for qualified projects is available through the Medical Student Research Office, from individual departments, or from the Work Study Program administered through the Financial Aid Office.
All applications require an abstract of your proposed project.
Work-study support is based upon financial need. Departmental funds are
awarded according to criteria established by the department. It is our aim
at Mount Sinai to enable each student who wants to do research to obtain
financial support.
Keep in mind that you may also make an appointment to see me to discuss
any of these points. Good luck.
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