I knew that the summer between my first and second year of medical school was a pivotal time to explore my research interests as well as to establish myself as an individual committed to improving the field of pediatrics through research.

The summer internship program was the perfect opportunity for someone like me for exactly this reason. My mentor taught me how to develop and carry out complex research protocols. I was able to take ownership of the project and develop independence in the lab. 

I was able to become first author on a paper about the project we completed. Residency programs were very impressed with the work I had completed and the experience made me unique as a candidate. I am so thankful that I had this introduction into research during that time in my life and it has definitely shaped my career as I look forward to a research career in pediatric critical care medicine.