I'm a PGY-1, soon to be PGY-2 with a strong interest in eventually pursing a sports medicine fellowship and career. I have spent a good majority of my intern year attempting to find a research project locally, even inquiring about getting guidance in starting up my own project. Unfortunately, there is no sports research occurring through my program, which is weak on research across the board, and attempts to reach out to other overlapping specialties and private sports groups have been met by a lack of interest. I do not have enough of a research background to feel comfortable tackling my own project at this time, nor have I been able to get access to data for a project idea I proposed.
I guess my question is what can I do at this point to get involved in a meaningful project that is still realistic for this point in my training? Is there a way to find researchers/mentors at other institutions whose interests align with mine (I have a strong interest in concussion, particularly pediatric, and certain sports) and would be willing to work with me? Is there some sort of database of existing projects looking for help? I feel like I've wasted a year by not having anything at this point and don't want to keep waiting around hoping for something when it feels like I've exhausted the opportunities through my program.
I guess my question is what can I do at this point to get involved in a meaningful project that is still realistic for this point in my training? Is there a way to find researchers/mentors at other institutions whose interests align with mine (I have a strong interest in concussion, particularly pediatric, and certain sports) and would be willing to work with me? Is there some sort of database of existing projects looking for help? I feel like I've wasted a year by not having anything at this point and don't want to keep waiting around hoping for something when it feels like I've exhausted the opportunities through my program.