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What’s the most valuable skill you can develop as a clinical researcher in 2024?
It’s the ability to learn new skills—and learning them fast.
I’ve read more than a dozen books on how to learn effectively (it’s one of my passions), and I’ve boiled all that wisdom down into 3 powerful strategies that have had the greatest impact on my growth. These strategies can help you master essential skills like manuscript writing, data analysis, and advanced research methods quickly and efficiently.
Let’s break it down.
1️⃣ Build a Map for Learning
When I first began my journey into research, I felt overwhelmed by everything I needed to know. So, I started by mapping out a learning plan. The first step? I dove into the work of experts. I read their papers, studied their methods, and asked questions.
I also interviewed mentors and colleagues to figure out what core skills I needed to become a successful researcher.
The answer was clear: Almost every one of them had a strong foundation in epidemiology, statistics, and data analysis. Contrary to the popular belief, they started out doing their own statistical analysis — this made sense because early on you are not going to have the funds to support a statistician.
So that’s where I started too. Instead of jumping into everything at once, I laid down solid groundwork in these areas first.
📝 Pro Tip: Don’t scatter your focus. Identify 2 to 3 key skills that will give you the most leverage in your field. Then, build your learning map around them.
Example: Observational Clinical Studies
If your research focuses on observational studies, you should start with the basics of study design and statistical analysis techniques. Once you’ve nailed that, move on to more complex tasks like handling large datasets or incorporating advanced statistical models. The learning map keeps you focused on what matters most.
2️⃣ Learn by Doing
Reading about how to write a manuscript or how to use R is great, but nothing beats getting your hands dirty.
I learned manuscript writing not by sitting in endless lectures but by actually drafting and submitting papers. The same goes for R—I didn’t just take an online course, I applied it in a real research project. And when it came to AI, I didn’t just explore the theory (in fact I know very little about linear algebra or calculus); I built custom GPT models and used machine learning methods, natural language processing (NLP) in my own research.
This principle of learning by doing applies to everything. The only way to truly master a skill is to dive in and practice it. Books and courses can guide you, but experience is where real learning happens.
📝 Pro Tip: If you want to master something, you need to actually do the work. Learn as you go. Don’t use reading or taking courses as procrastination to keep you from stating. You will never be truly ready to start — Start small. Start now.
Example: Writing Your First Manuscript
If you’re just starting out with manuscript writing, pick a section—say, the methods or results—and write it out based on your own research. It could be a very simple analysis such as yearly trends in hospital admissions for a particular disease. One can get these results in minutes using open-access database sites such as the National Inpatient Sample. Even if it’s rough, even if it’s not perfect, getting those first words down is a crucial step. The more you write, the better you’ll get.
3️⃣ Get Feedback—Constantly
No one becomes a great researcher in isolation. Feedback is a critical part of the process, and the earlier and more often you seek it, the faster you’ll grow.
Before I submitted manuscripts, I always sought feedback from peers and mentors. Before I sent out grants, I ran them through internal review boards and even mock NIH review sessions at my institution. The insights from these reviews were invaluable and helped me improve not only my current work but my overall approach to research.
Recently, I’ve added AI-based internal peer reviews into my workflow. You and your co-authors are often too close to your writing. Tools like these provide a fresh set of eyes and help catch potential issues before submission.
📝 Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to seek out feedback. The more perspectives you get, the stronger your final work will be.
Example: Preparing for Manuscript Submission
Before you submit your manuscript, share it with a mentor or a colleague for feedback. To ease their burden, be specific —what exactly do you want feedback on. Do you want them to comment on whether the methods section is clear enough to understand? OR if the arguments in your the discussion section can be improved?
They might spot inconsistencies or areas where clarity is lacking. Incorporate their suggestions, revise, and repeat. The earlier you do this, the more polished your submission will be.
Some may not have the luxury to have peers or mentors well versed in manuscript writing to help you. This is where AI can help — Use ChatGPT to act as a reviewer and comment on your manuscript. Similar to humans, ChatGPT also functions better if you ask it for focused questions. For example, just copy and paste your discussion section and as it to comment on it (rather than the full manuscript.
P.S. Ready to Take Your Research and Writing to the Next Level?
Using these strategies, I’ve created the “Clinical Research & Manuscript Writing OS” program—a complete Operating System designed to help you excel in clinical research and academic writing.
Here’s what you’ll get:
▶️ It’s a clear roadmap for your clinical research and academic writing.
▶️ We’ll focus solely on your research project and manuscript—nothing else.
▶️ And you’ll get personalized feedback from me at every step, ensuring you’re on the right track and making progress.
Doors close tomorrow at midnight CST, and there are only 3 seats remaining. Don’t miss your chance to create a stellar research resume and fast-track your academic career.
