Non-US IMG aiming for General Surgery- How should I find a paid research position for 2027-28?

Hello everyone,

I’m a Non-US IMG currently doing my internship in India and aiming for General Surgery residency in the US.

A little about my situation:

I will graduate next year and complete my internship after extension in sep 2027 I will do USCE next year. I’m considering taking a research year before applying to strengthen my application. I’m specifically looking for a paid research position, as I unfortunately cannot afford to do a full year of unpaid research.

I’m a little confused about the best way to actually find these positions.

What I have been doing so far:

Looking through websites of prestigious US universities and medical centers. Searching individual surgery departments and research divisions to see whether they have research opportunities. Checking whether certain departments have previously accepted international medical graduates/students. Messaging residents and fellows on LinkedIn to ask about opportunities and how they found their positions. Reaching out to people who might be able to connect me with researchers.

However, I’m not sure is this the way bcz I can't find progress in it...

I don’t have many seniors who have gone through this process, so I’m mostly trying to figure it out on my own.

My questions:

-Yes emailing is only way but how can I narrow down which institutions or which PIs...I am tired of searching what should I do bcz no one is answering in different platforms...I am working hard but I need a guidance on which path I should work on.

-How early should I start contacting PIs for a 2027-28 research position? Because recently I got answers in emails that currently we don't have open position even though I asked for 2027

-For those who successfully obtained a paid research position as an IMG, what approach actually worked for you?

I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has gone through this process, especially who obtained paid surgical research positions.

Thank you!