6 Ways to Gain Clinical Research Experience
Gaining clinical research experience is essential for medical school applicants and medical students because it bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world medicine. Through research, students develop critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills that are central to evidence-based practice. It also deepens their understanding of how medical knowledge evolves—from hypothesis to clinical application—and exposes them to the ethical and logistical aspects of patient-centered studies. Moreover, hands-on research experience demonstrates intellectual curiosity, discipline, and a genuine commitment to advancing medical science—all qualities highly valued by admissions committees and future employers.
Students can gain clinical research experience by opting for a research-focused program, joining research projects at universities or private companies, seeking internships at pharmaceutical companies or research institutions, or publishing research papers in peer-reviewed journals. Students can also seek out faculty mentors and principal investigators who are actively publishing and express interest in helping with ongoing studies, poster presentations, or manuscript preparation.
Below are practical suggestions on how to add clinical research experience to your resume.
Choose a research-focused program
At Columbia’s Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN), the one-year Master’s in Human Nutrition program offers future physicians a rigorous, research-driven foundation in an area often underrepresented in medical education. Through courses such as nutrition biochemistry, life cycle nutrition, epidemiology, and public health, students gain a solid understanding of nutritional science and hands-on research experience. IHN alumni appreciate the program’s academic rigor. “Critical Readings of Biological and Clinical Literature was especially impactful, challenging, but invaluable for building research skills,” says alumnus Jacob (JP) Paul (MS'19).
The IHN program offers a number of research topics to pursue, including neurobiology, metabolism, precision medicine, immunology, and microbiome. With these choices, students have varied opportunities to engage in meaningful research, whether through their master’s thesis or by contributing to publications. Research topics extend far beyond traditional nutrition science, allowing students to explore diverse areas such as the gut microbiome, celiac disease, genetics, and cancer, among others. There may also be opportunities to engage in research projects through volunteering at Community Clinics or at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Seek out academic mentors
Having an academic mentor is an important milestone for a medical student. Academic mentors provide personalized guidance, help build confidence and motivation, and offer a valuable perspective on academic and career paths. Establishing a good rapport with your mentors is crucial for future physicians’ success.
“At Columbia’s IHN master’s program, we know how important it is to have a good mentor,” says Kim Hekimian, PhD, Director of the IHN’s Master of Science in Nutrition program. “And we know that finding one is not always easy. That’s why our program includes mentorship through our master's thesis program. We make a special effort to pair up our students with mentors of their choice.”
During the fall term at Columbia’s IHN master’s program, students receive a curated list of available thesis mentors from across Columbia University Irving Medical Center and affiliated institutions, which spans more than 25 departments. Students start exploring thesis research opportunities through the Thesis Planning and Research Methods I course. With guidance provided by the school’s advisors, most students find their thesis mentors by the end of the term.
Additionally, IHN offers the Cubs Club Mentorship Program that helps students connect to the program alumni as they navigate their academic and professional goals beyond their graduate studies.
Find a research topic for your master's thesis
Delving fully into a specific research topic allows one to acquire niche expertise, building a foundation for a future specialty. Columbia’s IHN program culminates in a master’s thesis with three distinct tracks to choose from—basic nutrition science, clinical nutrition, or public health nutrition.
The thesis course runs from late May to late August, during which students apply their research skills, working closely with their advisors. With fewer in-class sessions, summer is reserved for full-time thesis work, allowing students to focus on honing their research skills and completing their theses.
Prior thesis topics range from investigating the metabolic effects of low-calorie sweeteners to patients’ sensitivity to wheat to effects of diet on sleep quality—and more. This intensive and immersive experience helps build students’ research abilities and their portfolio. “I applied to the IHN because I really valued the research component of the MS program,” says alumnus Michael Mendelsohn, MS (MS '18).
Publish your research in academic journals
Making the world aware of your research is equally important as engaging in it. Not only does it enhance future academic and career opportunities, but it also contributes to your field of study and demonstrates intellectual maturity, curiosity, and initiative.
IHN faculty work closely with students to polish and submit their thesis manuscripts to peer-reviewed academic journals. Upon thesis completion, many IHN students publish their manuscripts in prestigious journals, including ScienceDirect, Gastroenterology, Journal of Nutrition, Nutrients, and Cancer Medicine, among others.
“These publications reflect our students’ strong skills in research methodology, data collection, and analysis,” says Hekimian. “A published manuscript is a valued achievement, and an important addition to students’ academic and career resumes.”
Apply for research programs and internships
Many pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies offer research programs and internships. So do universities and some research hospitals. These programs offer an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience, strengthen research skills, and explore potential specialties.
Start by identifying your research interests, whether in basic science, clinical research, or public health. Next, look for programs that align with your interests, and review each program’s eligibility criteria. Here is when having mentors can be particularly helpful. Faculty and senior colleagues may be aware of available research opportunities and may know about internships, projects, or principal investigators looking for help.
Present your research at conferences and meetings
Conferences offer great opportunities to present your research and get noticed by industry leaders or academics. IHN students are encouraged to participate in conferences and meetings. Each year, a limited number of travel awards are offered to help students attend national and international conferences, symposia, and other professional meetings.
Students can apply for funding to travel to present their thesis research findings—or attend other events that align with their academic interests. Many students present at regional or national conferences, with publication of their research becoming the next step. “IHN provided the professional skills and the ability to critically analyze and produce scientific papers fit for publication,” says Alexander H. Vu, MD, MS.
Conclusion
Partaking in clinical research is vital for medical students because it connects classroom learning with real-world medical science. Students can gain clinical research experience through several pathways, including choosing research-focused programs, joining research projects, pursuing research as part of their master's thesis, securing internships at private companies or institutions, or publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals. During their year at Columbia's IHN, students have the opportunity to explore all these options, graduating not only with a master’s degree in nutrition but also with research experience and published papers.
Interested in learning more about Columbia's IHN program and its research opportunities? Visit the program’s curriculum page, the thesis research page, or the research areas page.