BY Dalia Al-Temimi
Research is a huge part of modern medicine, shaping everything from new treatments to public health policies. As a medical student, getting involved in research can be an incredible way to explore your areas of interest, strengthen your speciality applications, and contribute to the emerging future of healthcare.
But if you’re new to research, it can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What kind of research are we talking about? Here’s what you need to know.
What Does Research in Med School Involve?
Research in med school can take many forms, from scientific studies in genetics and drug development to clinical research involving patient data and trials. Some students focus on public health and epidemiology, studying disease patterns and treatments, while others dive into medical education research, analysing how future doctors are trained and how we canimprove this.
When taking on a research project hoping to make a change or improve our healthcare system, audits may be a good place to start. An audit is a quality improvement project evaluating current clinical practice against the established standards to identify areas for improvement.Unlike research, which generates new knowledge, audits focus on assessing and optimising practices to improve patient care. A complete audit cycle involves three key steps.
First, data is collected to assess whether current practice aligns with best-practice guidelines. Next, any necessary changes are implemented to improve care based on the results. Finally, a re-audit is conducted months-years later to measure the impact of these changes and ensureimprovements have been sustained—this final step is known as “closing the loop.”
With each part of this cycle you will gain additional points that help build your portfolio when applying for speciality training. However, audits are one of many options when undertaking research opportunities as a student.
Another example is a literature review, which is less data collection and more an extensive piece of writing, drawing points and comparing published medical articles and trial reports for example. This analysis helps identify trends, gaps, and key findings in the field of your choice. Unlike original research, it does not generate new data but synthesises published studies to provide a clearer understanding of the subject.
Examples could include a review of current treatments for Alzheimer’s disease or an analysis of the impact of AI in radiology. This would provide you with the possibility of publishing a piece of your own written work to medical journals or conferences, again helping to build a strong medical portfolio.
Why is Research Important for Med Students?
Beyond the knowledge gained, research can be a game-changer for your career. It teaches you how to critically analyse scientific literature, which is crucial for making informed clinical decisions. Plus, if you’re eyeing a competitive speciality, having research experience—especially publications or conference presentations—can set you apart from other applicants.
Even if you don’t plan to pursue academic medicine, research experience helps you develop skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and communication—all of which are essential in any medical career.
How to Get Started in Research
If you’re new to research, the best way to start is by identifying your interests. This could be specialities, or even conditions or surgeries you find interesting. By finding a topic that excites you, the research process will become more enjoyable.
Next, seek out a tutor. Reach out to professors, consultants, or research faculty in your area of interest. Many researchers are happy to have medical students assist with ongoing projects, even if you have little experience.in my experience, emailing as many people as you can explaining your interest and ideas is a good place to start.
Some med schools also have dedicated research programs or databases listing available projects, so take advantage of those resources.
Starting small is perfectly okay. You don’t need to jump into a complex, multi-year study right away. Case reports, literature reviews, or assisting with data collection are great ways to get your foot in the door.
Getting started with an audit often begins by identifying an area of clinical
practice that may need improvement. Speaking with consultants, registrars, or the hospital’s quality improvement team can help uncover relevant topics. Many hospitals already have ongoing audits that need completion, making it easier for students and junior doctors to get involved. Then, as you gain experience, you can take on more significant roles in research projects, learn about study design and data analysis, and even aim to present or publish your findings.
Final Thoughts
Getting involved in research during med school doesn’t have to be intimidating. However, by starting early, finding good mentorship, and staying curious, you can make the most of the opportunities available. These are all thing I wish I had been taught about or learned earlier within medical school, especially in pre-clinical years when you may have more spare time to undergo extracurricular research.
It is also a great way to expand your knowledge and gain experiences across various specialities and areas of medicine, which will help when deciding
your future career path.
Dalia Al-Temimi
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