Mastering Medical Research: Techniques to Launch Your Lab Career

Are you fascinated by the human body? Do you dream of discovering a cure to a disease? Do you naturally find yourself testing hypotheses? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, medical research may be the career path for you! 

While many high school students with medical aspirations plan on applying to medical school, medical research may offer a more attractive career path for other students. Regardless of your specific career goals, however, if you’re interested in medicine, you should take time in high school to focus on gaining a solid foundation in research methodologies, statistical analysis, and laboratory skills. This will prepare you for a career in a laboratory or in a hospital. 

There are lots of ways to gain experience in medical research techniques, including engaging in internships, doing an on-campus Summer program and collaborating with experienced professionals who can provide invaluable hands-on experience. Participating in a Polygence program, for example, is a great way to gain these skills under the guidance of an expert research mentor. For many students, gaining medical research experience can feel intimidating — and inaccessible. But with the right Research Mentorship Program, it doesn’t have to be!

Why Learning Medical Research Methods is a Game-Changer

Medical research plays a crucial role in medicine and healthcare innovation. So, regardless of your specific medical career goals, medical research will have a large impact on your career. This is one of the many reasons why familiarizing yourself with medical research is so important, especially when you are first starting out. Furthermore, early exposure to lab techniques sets students apart for college and internships. It’s no secret that medicine is a highly-competitive field. This is why giving yourself every possible advantage is in your best interest!

Students with clear career aspirations, may want to join one of Polygence’s individualized research experiences. Students in need of a bit more direction, however, may feel more at home in one of our Polygence Pods, such as the Genetics Research Program or Cancer Therapy Research Program, where they will work with a small group of like-minded peers under the guidance of a PHD-level expert.

What Are the Different Types of Research for Medical Students?

There are several distinct types of medical research, including clinical research, laboratory research, public health research, and computational and AI-driven research. If you’re interested in pursuing a medical career, chances are, you’ll be exposed to a little bit of everything. But for now, let’s cover some of the basics: What are the different types of medical research and what sets them apart from one another? 

1. Clinical Research

Clinical research focuses on studying new treatments, therapies, and drugs in human subjects. It plays a vital role in understanding disease progression and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. Students involved in clinical research may participate in clinical trials, gather patient data, and analyze outcomes, gaining practical insights into patient care and evidence-based medicine. Students should also do their best to understand how AI and predictive analytics are transforming our most current clinical trials.

2. Laboratory Research

Laboratory research involves conducting experiments in a controlled environment to explore biological processes and disease mechanisms. Students involved in laboratory research can engage in cellular or molecular biology studies, working with various techniques such as PCR, CRISPR gene editing, and microscopy. 

If you’re interested in pursuing laboratory research, check out this Polygence project: The Applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 Gene-Editing System in Treating Human Diseases. With the help of an expert research mentor (with many years of laboratory research experience!), you, too will be able to pursue your own independent research project!

3. Public Health Research

Public health research aims to improve population health by studying the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions. Students can contribute to research on health policies, community interventions, and epidemiological studies. This type of research is crucial for developing effective public health strategies and understanding health disparities among different populations. Data science and global health initiatives play a large role in public health research, especially as they relate to investigating disease prevention, epidemiology, and healthcare access. 

Curious what a Polygence project focused on public health looks like? Take a look at these two public health projects: How do age and biological sex influence vaccine responses and public health guidelines? and Racial Disparities in Maternal Mortality: Social and Clinical Considerations

4. Computational & AI-Driven Research

Computational and AI-driven research harnesses advanced algorithms and data analysis techniques to derive insights from large datasets. Students can explore areas such as bioinformatics, genomics, and personalized medicine, where data-driven approaches lead to innovative solutions. This interdisciplinary field is increasingly vital as technology becomes integral to modern medical research.

Check out the student project Prediction4Protection: Machine Learning Application in Early Heart Disease Prediction to get a better idea of how to combine medical research and machine learning in an independent research project. 

What Are the Research Methods for Medicine?

Now that we’ve explored different medical research fields, such as public health and clinical research,  let’s take a closer look at methodology. While it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to gain research experience in all four types of medical research methods prior to your college career, having a better understanding of what medical research actually entails will help set you apart from your peers — and up for success. 

1. Experimental Research

Experimental research involves manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships. In medical studies, this often translates to clinical trials assessing the efficacy of new drugs or treatments. Experimental research also relates to the rise of organ-on-a-chip technology and synthetic biology. Students learn to design lab experiments in biochemistry, pharmacology, and immunology, control for biases, and interpret results, all of which are essential skills in advancing medical knowledge.

2. Observational Studies

Observational studies focus on using real-world patient data to analyze disease trends. Students observe patient behaviors and outcomes over time, something that has become much more accessible given the impact of wearable health tech, such as Fitbits and Smart watches, in modern research.

3. Statistical & Computational Methods

Mastering statistical and computational methods is fundamental for analyzing research data. Students learn to apply statistical tests, model data, and interpret results using software tools. These skills help to ensure valid conclusions and contribute to evidence-based decision-making in medicine. Like many aspects of medical research, students will want to investigate the various ways AI and big data are revolutionizing medical diagnostics.

4. Hands-On Lab Techniques

Hands-on lab techniques encompass a variety of skills essential for conducting research effectively. Students may gain experience in sample collection, laboratory protocols, and data recording. They may also focus on techniques such as Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, and tissue culture. Overall, mastering these techniques enhances students’ ability to contribute to experiments and ensures reliable results in medical research. Furthermore, learning these skills early helps students succeed in university labs.

How Polygence Helps You Turn Medical Research into Real-World Impact

Getting started in medical research can feel overwhelming—especially when traditional education doesn’t provide hands-on opportunities or personalized guidance. That’s where Polygence comes in. Our research mentorship programs give students a structured yet flexible way to explore medical research with online expert support.

Whether you’re passionate about genetics, epidemiology, AI-driven medicine, or biotechnology, Polygence matches you with a PhD-level mentor who helps you design and execute an independent research project in your area of interest. Instead of following a rigid curriculum, you’ll develop critical lab skills, apply real research methods, and build a portfolio that showcases your expertise to college admissions committees and future employers.

For students looking for a collaborative experience, Polygence Pods offer small-group research opportunities where like-minded peers explore specialized topics—like Cancer Therapy Research or Public Health Analytics—under the guidance of a research expert. These structured, six-week programs provide an excellent introduction to medical research while allowing students to gain exposure to professional-level methodologies.

How the Polygence + Summer Discovery Program Prepares You for Medical Research

For those eager to take their experience even further, the Polygence + Summer Discovery Program at UC Berkeley offers an immersive, university-level research experience. During this two-week program, students engage in advanced lab techniques, cutting-edge research methods, and real-world problem-solving before continuing their research with a dedicated mentor through Polygence.

Regardless of where you are in your research journey, Polygence provides mentorship, resources, and real-world experiences to help you explore your passions and stand out in the competitive medical field.

How Research Skills Can Help You Land a Lab Assistant Position in College

Early exposure to medical research gives you an edge, which is why university labs often prefer students with prior research experience. And this is just the beginning. A strong research portfolio is crucial in terms of securing competitive internships and scholarships down the road. The importance of networking with professors, mentors, and researchers also cannot be overstated. Set yourself up for success by exploring your options early and investigating various medical research methods and techniques. 

Take the First Step Toward a Career in Medical Research

In many traditional high school science courses, students are often limited to textbooks and memorization, with little opportunity for hands-on experimentation or independent discovery. This rigid, test-focused academic system fails to equip students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world lab skills they need to thrive in medical research.

Medical breakthroughs don’t happen through rote memorization—they happen through curiosity, experimentation, and innovation. That’s why students interested in research need more than just classroom learning. They need mentorship, hands-on projects, and the freedom to explore their own scientific questions.

At Polygence, we believe that true learning happens through experience. Whether you’re designing a new AI-driven diagnostic tool, studying genetic mutations, or exploring public health disparities, our mentorship programs give you the tools, guidance, and real-world experience to develop your skills and stand out in the medical field.

Ready to take the first step? Explore how Polygence’s research mentorship programs can help you build a strong foundation for your future in medical research. Apply today and start your journey!