Along with my research mentors, I developed an independent research project to investigate sex differences in the neurobiology of obesity. We proposed a research plan and created a detailed research and career development timeline and plan. I also wrote up a biosketch and a personal statement, expanding on my previous experiences in research and why I wanted to pursue this opportunity.

It took about 5 months.

In addition to working on my research project, I served as the lead coordinator for the parent study by running recruitment, enrollment, data management and more. I was trained on endocrine, cognitive and neuroimaging techniques, IRB policy and good clinical practice skills. I gained experience working on an interdisciplinary team, as I often interacted with nutritionists, radiologists, lab technicians, psychologists and more. I also frequently attended clinical and ground rounds, and presentations by renowned physicians and researchers. To further develop my statistical skills, I also enrolled in a year-long Harvard Medical School Applied Biostatistics course.

My first author abstract, “Hyperactivation of Reward and Cognitive Control Brain Regions in Response to Food Images in Women Compared to Men with Obesity,” was selected for oral presentation at ENDO 2020. I recently submitted another abstract to ENDO 2021 and am currently drafting a first-author manuscript related to my independent project.

Through this experience, I reaffirmed my interest in academic medicine and gained invaluable knowledge of obesity pathophysiology and multidisciplinary clinical research. My training in research methodology, advanced statistical analysis and endocrine, cognitive, and neuroimaging assessment techniques, allowed me to stand out as a medical school candidate, and I am sure it will continue to open a lot of doors for me. I also received overall career guidance and mentorship from Dr. Elizabeth Lawson (PI) and co-mentors Drs. Laura Holsen, Franziska Plessow and Camille Powe, all of whom continue to guide me through medical school and my professional development journey. 

My biggest advice for applicants is to find a mentor who is invested in your growth, and whose work you are interested in. Secondly, make sure you come up with a project that you are passionate about, and interested in learning more about. Finally, be flexible! Through this experience, I’ve learned that timelines can change, recruitment can lag, and unexpected hurdles may come up. However, remaining flexible and coming up with creative solutions is as big a part of this experience as the clinical and research skills you gain.

The process involved first speaking with my primary mentor, Dr. Madhu Misra. We reached out to the program officer who oversaw her R01 grant on bone outcomes in adolescents who undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery. Concurrently, we reached out to the NIDDK program officer for diversity supplements. After speaking with both of these individuals, we found out that I would be a suitable candidate for application and we submitted a full supplement to cover two years of support on her grant. In this particular process, it is prudent to indicate what you will contribute to the project. However, you must also delineate what career development you will garner from participation as a recipient. Diversity supplements are only accepted in certain months out of the year. It is important to check that you submit in a timely fashion for whichever due date is available.

After submitting my initial application, I waited for 2 to 3 months. I found out that it was not accepted at that stage. As such, I resubmitted an application and was accepted 2 to 3 months later. So, the entire process with the two submissions took on the order of 6 to 8 months.

My research experience was pivotal in my career development as a physician scientist. I would spend time with my senior mentor and an additional mentor, Dr. Miriam Bredella. I was entrenched within all of the activities of the research project which included work with subjects, analysis of research, and thoughts for future directions.

It helped me secure dedicated time to work on research, and I was able to publish quite a bit during this time. It also gave me the opportunity to have protected time to present my research throughout the country at several conferences and meetings.

I believe that this experience was a catalyst for my career as a physician scientist. It came at a crucial time in my career, and it help me to bridge the gap of funding.

My advice to applicants is to work to achieve a diversity supplement. Please note that you should be engaged with the entire process to ensure success. If you were unsuccessful in your first attempt, I do recommend applying once more.