Description: 

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Jay Sridhar to learn what students should know before (or after) their first research project. Dr. Sridhar is an associate professor of clinical ophthalmology and the assistant residency program director at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. During this episode he imparts meaningful advice for all students and provides helpful tips for the research beginner.

Episode Goals:

-After this episode, medical students will understand the value of finding the right research mentor.

-After this episode, students will learn the importance of time management, setting expectations early, and having a peer mentor or colleague proofread your work.

-After this episode, students will learn simple questions to consider when preparing to write a manuscript.

Time stamps:

Part I: Intro, Icebreaker, & Life Advice

1:48- Dr. Sridhar’s hang-gliding excursion

4:28- Discussing our inner voice and Dr. Sridhar’s podcast recommendation

6:00- Dr. Sridhar’s non-ophthalmology book recommendations

7:15- Seize the day and the additions of small moments

Part II: The Research Basics

10:20- The value of finding the right research mentor

13:20- Set expectations early, articulate how much time you can give, NEVER ghost

14:40- Early skills that any student can contribute

15:30- Have a peer mentor double check your work BEFORE sending to your PI

17:35- Don’t put all your research eggs in one basket/PI

18:20- Three branches of research: basic science, translational, clinical

20:55- Authorship order

Part III: Navigating your First Project

22:35- Start with one project

24:40- Sending a “cold” email of interest to a potential PI

26:00- Case reports

26:38- What’s my target journal?

29:05- What’s my backup plan

Part IV: Research as it applies to my residency application

31:28- How many publications do I need to be a competitive ophthalmology applicant?

34:00- Don’t participate in research at the expense of other medical student responsibilities

37:20- “Good medical students = good residents”

40:13- Helpful tips

46:00- Parting advice