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Bevan J, Blyth R, Russell B, Holtgrewe L, Cheung AHC, Austin I, Shah V, Butler M, Fraser S. Planetary health and sustainability teaching in UK medical education: A review of medical school curricula. MEDICAL TEACHER 2023; 45:623-632. [PMID: 36503358 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2022.2152190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The doctors of the future need to be empowered to deliver healthcare sustainably while protecting their patients' health in the context of a degrading environment. This study aimed to objectively review the extent and nature of the teaching of planetary health and sustainability topics in UK medical education. METHODS A multi-centre national review of the timetabled teaching sessions in medical courses in the UK during the academic year 2020/2021 against the General Medical Council's adopted 'Educating for Sustainable Healthcare - Priority Learning Outcomes'. Medical students were recruited and reviewed the entirety of their own institution's online teaching materials associated with core teaching sessions using a standardised data collection tool. Learning outcome coverage and estimated teaching time were calculated and used to rank participating medical schools. RESULTS 45% of eligible UK medical schools were included in the study. The extent of teaching varied considerably amongst courses. Mean coverage of the 13 learning outcomes was 9.9 (SD:2.5) with a mean estimated teaching time of 140 min (SD:139). Courses with dedicated planetary health and sustainability sessions ranked best. CONCLUSION There is large disparity in the education that medical students receive on these topics. Teaching may not adequately prioritise sustainability or reflect advances in planetary health knowledge.[Box: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- James Bevan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rachel Blyth
- NHS Foundation Trust, St. George's University Hospitals, London, UK
| | | | - Lydia Holtgrewe
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Isobel Austin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Viraj Shah
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Megan Butler
- Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Simon Fraser
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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2
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McCarthy EM, Feinn R, Thomas LA. Self-efficacy and confidence of medical students with prior scribing experience: A mixed methods study. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2022; 27:2033421. [PMID: 35174763 PMCID: PMC8856037 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2022.2033421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medical scribing is an increasingly common way for pre-medical students to gain clinical experience. Scribes are a valuable part of the healthcare team and have high rates of matriculation into health professional programs. Little is known about the effects of scribing on the success of the student. This manuscript aims to determine the effect of scribing experience on clinical self-efficacy during medical school. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Perceived clinical self-efficacy was evaluated with validated survey questions using a 5-point Likert-type scale as well as free text responses. The survey was completed by 175 medical students at the Frank H. Netter, MD School of Medicine. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS. As part of the mixed methods study, free text responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Quantitative results showed no statistical difference in perceived clinical self-efficacy between medical students with scribing experience and those without. Analysis of free text responses showed that medical students believed their scribing experience improved comfort in the clinical setting and increased familiarity with medical terminology. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Medical students with scribing experience did not demonstrate greater clinical self-efficacy than their peers without scribing experience. However, medical students with scribing experience have a perceived value of their pre-medical scribing experience on their success in medical school.
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den Bakker CR, Ommering BW, van Leeuwen TN, Dekker FW, De Beaufort AJ. Assessing publication rates from medical students' mandatory research projects in the Netherlands: a follow-up study of 10 cohorts of medical students. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056053. [PMID: 35379628 PMCID: PMC8981330 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The medical field is facing a clinician-scientist shortage. Medical schools could foster the clinician-scientist workforce by offering students research opportunities. Most medical schools offer elective research programmes. Subsequently, a subset of doctors graduates without any research experience. Mandatory research projects may be more sufficient to develop clinician-scientist, but take more supervision and curricular time. There is limited insight in the scientific outcomes of mandatory research experiences. This study aims to examine publication rates of a mandatory research experience, identify factors associated with publication, and includes postgraduate research engagement. DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective follow-up study involving 10 cohorts of medical students' mandatory research projects from Leiden University Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS All medical students who conducted their research project between 2008 and 2018 (n=2329) were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Publication rates were defined as peer-reviewed scientific publications, including research papers, reviews, and published meeting abstracts. Postgraduate research engagement was defined as research participation and dissemination of research at scientific conferences or in journals. RESULTS In total, 644 (27.7%) of all mandatory research experiences resulted in publication, with students mainly as first (n=984, 42.5%) or second author (n=587, 25.3%) and above world average citation impact (mean normalised journal score 1.29, mean normalised citation score 1.23). Students who conducted their research in an academic centre (adjusted OR 2.82; 95% CI 2.10 to 3.77), extended their research (adjusted OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.35 to 2.20), were involved in an excellency track (adjusted OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.44 to 3.01), or conducted clinical (adjusted OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.15 to 3.74) or laboratory (adjusted OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.16 to 4.01) research published their research more often. Later as junior doctors, this group significantly more often disseminate their research results at scientific conferences (adjusted OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.11 to 3.23) or in journals (adjusted OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.14 to 3.43). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that a significant subset of hands-on mandatory research projects with flexible learning pathways result in tangible research output with proper impact and that such successful experiences can be considered as diving board towards a research-oriented career.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte R den Bakker
- Center for Innovation in Medical Education, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Belinda Wc Ommering
- Center for Innovation in Medical Education, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thed N van Leeuwen
- Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Friedo W Dekker
- Center for Innovation in Medical Education, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arnout Jan De Beaufort
- Center for Innovation in Medical Education, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Correia G, Pereira M, Gomes A, Bragança MDR, Weber S, Ferreira MA, Ribeiro L. Predictors of Medical Students’ Views toward Research: Insights from a Cross-Cultural Study among Portuguese-Speaking Countries. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10020336. [PMID: 35206950 PMCID: PMC8871854 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing the skills and interest in scientific research of medical students is crucial to ensuring effective healthcare systems. As such, in this study, we aimed to assess Portuguese-speaking medical students’ attitudes and perceptions toward scientific research and clinical practice, and how they are influenced by individual characteristics and regional indicators. A total of 455 first-year students from three medical schools in three countries (Portugal, Brazil, and Angola) participated in this study by completing a questionnaire. Portuguese students attributed the most importance to scientific skills and were the most confident in their ability to perform these skills. Angolan students were the most motivated to perform research and integrate it into the curriculum, despite having the most negative attitudes and perceiving themselves as having less ability to perform scientific skills. Brazilian students had the least positive attitudes toward science. In Portugal, attitudes depended on gross domestic product (GDP), while in Angola, they were influenced by the type of secondary school attendance. Portuguese students’ perceptions of scientific skills were related to sex, GDP, type of secondary school, and participation in research. In Brazilian and Angolan students, perceptions were associated with age and research participation, respectively. The findings support the need to promote skills and positive attitudes toward scientific research in future physicians, fostering physician-scientists and improving patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Correia
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (G.C.); (M.P.); (A.G.); (M.A.F.)
| | - Margarida Pereira
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (G.C.); (M.P.); (A.G.); (M.A.F.)
- Centre for Research on Pandemics & Society, Oslo Metropolitan University, 0167 Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreia Gomes
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (G.C.); (M.P.); (A.G.); (M.A.F.)
| | - Maria do Rosário Bragança
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Katyavala Bwila (FMUKB), Benguela 1725, Angola;
- Faculty of Medicine, University Agostinho Neto, Luanda 64346, Angola
| | - Silke Weber
- Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo University, Botucatu 05508-220, Brazil;
| | - Maria Amélia Ferreira
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (G.C.); (M.P.); (A.G.); (M.A.F.)
| | - Laura Ribeiro
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (G.C.); (M.P.); (A.G.); (M.A.F.)
- I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-220426994
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Mass-Hernández LM, Acevedo-Aguilar LM, Lozada-Martínez ID, Osorio-Agudelo LS, Maya-Betancourth JGEM, Paz-Echeverry OA, Paz-Echeverry MJ, Castillo-Pastuzan HS, Rojas-Pimentel JC, Rahman S. Undergraduate research in medicine: A summary of the evidence on problems, solutions and outcomes. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 74:103280. [PMID: 35127067 PMCID: PMC8807964 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientific research plays a fundamental role in current medical practice and it is of great importance that medical students relate to it from the beginning of their professional career, since it generates multiple benefits that will be reflected during the course of their careers as university students and future professionals. However, getting involved in research during the undergraduate years is not always easy, as there are different obstacles and challenges that result in a reduced number of research students. Because of this, it is necessary to adopt appropriate strategies and measures to help facilitate this process, in order to foster the early development of essential skills that will facilitate responsible clinical practice. Knowing the evidence on this issue is fundamental to propose educational solutions depending on each context. Undergraduate research is the best way to promote the curriculum. Undergraduate research increases the likelihood of publishing articles of higher quality. Undergraduate research increases the likelihood of publishing more articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marcela Mass-Hernández
- Medical and Surgical Research Center, Future Surgeons Chapter, Colombian Surgery Association, Cartagena, Colombia
| | | | - Ivan David Lozada-Martínez
- Medical and Surgical Research Center, Future Surgeons Chapter, Colombian Surgery Association, Cartagena, Colombia
- Grupo Prometheus y Biomedicina Aplicada a las Ciencias Clinicas, School of Medicine, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sabrina Rahman
- Independent University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Corresponding author.
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Cuschieri A, Cuschieri S. Medical Students' Perceptions on Research: Results from a Small European Island State. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR 2021; 31:1991-1999. [PMID: 34956709 PMCID: PMC8651879 DOI: 10.1007/s40670-021-01426-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A crucial aspect of medical education is research training. Many studies have been conducted targeting the publishing rate among medical students, but information is lacking about the perceptions of medical students towards research, especially of students studying in small island states. This study aims to investigate students' perceptions towards research and increase the insight on what motivates and hinders medical students to conduct research. METHODS An anonymous mixed-methods cross-sectional online questionnaire was distributed to five hundred and forty-nine medical students studying at the University of Malta. The data gathered was statistically analysed and consequently interpreted. RESULTS A response rate of 25.05% was achieved, with 10.00% of students having already published their research. Despite 86.43% of students interested in conducting research, only 22.86% have pursued a research endeavour. The main reason for conducting research was 'out of students' own interest'. The main barrier hindering students from conducting research was perceived as the absence of research opportunities. DISCUSSION Medical students have a positive attitude towards the conduction of research, to enhance their medical education. Hence, identification of potential barriers hindering medical students from conducting research should be sought out and hands-on research opportunities should be provided, on an elective basis, to pursue their research interest. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-021-01426-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cuschieri
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD2080 Imsida, Malta
| | - Sarah Cuschieri
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD2080 Imsida, Malta
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Portuguese Medical Students' Interest for Science and Research Declines after Freshman Year. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9101357. [PMID: 34683037 PMCID: PMC8544356 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The integration of scientific research into medical curricula remains insufficient despite its advantages for medical students' professional development and the advancement of medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of first-year medical course attendance on medical students' attitudes and perceptions towards scientific research and clinical practice, while also assessing the contribution of sociodemographic and academic factors. Two hundred and thirteen medical students self-administrated a questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the first school year. Their responses were compared and two regression models were calculated to assess factors influencing students' attitudes and perceptions. After freshman year, students displayed significantly lower positive attitudes towards science and research. Their motivation to perform research and to integrate it into the curriculum also decreased, while the importance attributed to research skills for clinical practice increased. Motivation to perform research and negative attitudes were positively and negatively associated with grade point average (GPA), respectively. Female students and those who attended public secondary schools attributed greater importance to communication skills. This study reinforces the need to early develop research skills and positive attitudes in medical students, motivating them to become physician-scientists. Additional follow-up studies may offer further contributions to the integration of research into medical curricula.
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Ganesh Kumar A, Kallikas G, Hassan M, Dev IK, Basu S. Removing Educational Achievement Points From the Foundation Programme Application System: Is This the Right Decision? JMIR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 7:e27856. [PMID: 34346899 PMCID: PMC8374666 DOI: 10.2196/27856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The UK Foundation Programme Office has announced that medical students graduating from 2023 onward will not receive Foundation Programme Application System points for additional degrees or journal publications. In this viewpoint paper, we acknowledge the reasons for this decision, such as socioeconomically advantaged students having greater access to these achievements and the promotion of intercalated degrees for the sake of point accumulation. Additionally, the predictive value of these achievements with regard to junior doctors' performance has been questioned when compared to that of other Foundation Programme Application System components. Conversely, we also highlight the drawbacks of the UK Foundation Programme Office's decision, since this might discourage medical students from completing additional degrees and attempting to publish their work, thereby resulting in clinicians with little to no academic experience or interest. Finally, we attempt to provide suggestions for future improvements in this system by analyzing different medical schools' approaches, such as the BMedSci Honors program offered at Nottingham University. Furthermore, promoting and supporting engagement with academia, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged students, are the responsibility of all medical schools; such actions are needed in order to produce doctors who are both clinically and academically competent. We conclude that the aforementioned changes should only affect new cohorts in the interest of universities' transparency and fairness to their students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abirami Ganesh Kumar
- Department of Medicine, London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London Barts, Whitechapel, East London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Kallikas
- Department of Medicine, London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London Barts, Whitechapel, East London, United Kingdom
| | - Melihah Hassan
- Department of Medicine, London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London Barts, Whitechapel, East London, United Kingdom
| | - Indu Kiran Dev
- Department of Medicine, London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London Barts, Whitechapel, East London, United Kingdom
| | - Soutrik Basu
- Department of Medicine, London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London Barts, Whitechapel, East London, United Kingdom
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Yadav SK, Agarwal P, Sharma D. Surgical Clinical Trials in India: Underutilized Opportunities. Indian J Surg 2021; 84:162-166. [PMID: 34226803 PMCID: PMC8242275 DOI: 10.1007/s12262-021-03023-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials in Surgery are central to research; however, very few surgical clinical trials are conducted in India. Such paucity of surgical trials is a cause for concern, and prompted us to explore the recent landscape of surgical trials in India. We reviewed all clinical trials from general surgery or subspecialties of general surgery registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India website between 2018 to 15 th May 2021. Specific details such as the surgical subspecialty, study design, multicentric or single institution and funding were obtained. We found a total of 16,710 trials, out of these 4119 (24.6%) were related to all surgical fields. Only 136 (0.8%) trials were found from general surgery and its subspecialties. Most trials were registered from Central Government Institutions (48%), followed by State Government Medical Colleges (11%). Most number of trials was registered from GI surgery (32%). Most (90.5%) trials were single centre based. Common barriers to research are well known; if the State Government Medical Colleges can mentor a culture of research from an early stage of surgical training it can improve research productivity. Multicentre trials, involving smaller hospitals from tier 2 and tier 3 cities, are a potential solution to one of the major obstacles of surgical trials i.e. small number of patients; especially in this pandemic induced draught of elective surgical operations. A positive change in attitude of surgeons and provision of necessary funding can encourage more surgical clinical trials in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Kumar Yadav
- Department of Surgery, NSCB Government Medical College, Jabalpur, MP 482003 India
| | - Pawan Agarwal
- Department of Surgery, NSCB Government Medical College, Jabalpur, MP 482003 India
| | - Dhananjaya Sharma
- Department of Surgery, NSCB Government Medical College, Jabalpur, MP 482003 India
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Al-Judaibi B, Dokus MK. Barriers to research productivity among physicians in Saudi Arabia: Taking a deep dive into the world of academia. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:61-63. [PMID: 33835052 PMCID: PMC8183357 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_7_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bandar Al-Judaibi
- Division of Transplantation, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America,Address for correspondence: Dr. Bandar Al-Judaibi, Division of Transplantation, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America. E-mail:
| | - M. Katherine Dokus
- Division of Transplantation, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
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Alamri Y, Monasterio E, Wilkinson TJ. Factors Predictive of Medical Student Involvement in Research: Results from a New Zealand Institution. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2021; 12:183-187. [PMID: 33654449 PMCID: PMC7914051 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s284117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have elucidated several benefits of engagement in research by medical students. The aim of the current study was to assess if any factors influenced the student's actual involvement (not mere interest) in scholarly activities during medical school. METHODS All medical students at the University of Otago were invited via e-mail to complete an online questionnaire. The outcome was a substantial contribution to a research project. The predictors were prior research experience, student's entry route, and planned career type. Multiple regression analysis was undertaken to control for any confounding factors influencing medical students' involvement in research. RESULTS Valid responses were gathered from 669 students (yielding a response rate of 44.8%). Of those, 254 students (38.3%) had engaged in one or more research activities. Students who engaged in research activities indicated a higher likelihood of future involvement in research but expressed less interest in internal medicine sub-specialties as potential future careers. CONCLUSION A sizeable proportion of our samples has been involved in the research. Targeting medical students not yet involved in research may necessitate additional curricular and faculty support in order to stimulate their research curiosity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassar Alamri
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Erik Monasterio
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Tim J Wilkinson
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Medical Education Unit, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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12
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Öcek Z, Batı H, Sezer ED, Köroğlu ÖA, Yılmaz Ö, Yılmaz ND, Mandıracıoğlu A. Research training program in a Turkish medical school: challenges, barriers and opportunities from the perspectives of the students and faculty members. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:2. [PMID: 33397360 PMCID: PMC7780673 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-020-02454-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Providing medical students with opportunities for research experience is challenging for medical schools in developing countries. The Research Training Program (RTP), which is carried out in Ege University Faculty of Medicine (EUFM) parallel to the core curriculum, aims to improve the scientific competencies of the highly motivated students and to provide them with the opportunity to conduct a research. The purpose of this project is to evaluate RTP through the perspectives of students and faculty members. METHODS This phenomenological study included two groups; students of RTP and faculty members who contributed to the program. Interviews were conducted with the research group whose selection was determined by maximum variation technique. Interviews with new individuals continued until data saturation was reached. Interpretative data analysis started with close reading of the transcripts and generating a list of codes. Coding by two independently, developing categories and themes were the following steps. RESULTS Twenty-one RTP students and 14 faculty members were interviewed. The main motivation for students to participate was the desire to learn how to do research. The introduction course providing the students with the basic competencies needs to be improved in terms of practical activities. It was reported that during the project process students needed intensive guidance especially in finding a research topic and a mentor. The students' lack of time, deficit of enough mentoring and the fact that conducting a research does not provide a competitive advantage for residency are important obstacles to the completion of the program. The most frequently mentioned achievement of the students is to learn all the stages of the research as well as getting acquainted with critical thinking. CONCLUSIONS This research showed that it was realistic to implement research programs for highly motivated students in medical schools with conditions like those in EUFM. The solution of mentor shortage emerged in this study is dependent on the adoption of student research as a national policy. Getting acquainted with the interrogative thinking style, conducting research, and making lifelong learning a core value are more important outcomes of research programs than the number of completed projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeliha Öcek
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hilal Batı
- Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ebru Demirel Sezer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Özge Altun Köroğlu
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Özlem Yılmaz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Aliye Mandıracıoğlu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Alamri Y, Qahwaji H, Saif S, Abu-Zaid A. Research attitudes, barriers, and prior experience: Experience from interns working in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Avicenna J Med 2020; 10:118-121. [PMID: 32832428 PMCID: PMC7414602 DOI: 10.4103/ajm.ajm_173_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore research productivity and attitudes by Saudi interns. Materials and Methods: Interns from two hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia were invited to participate in an online survey. Results: Fifty-seven interns responded to the survey. An accurate response rate is not possible because the invitation email reliably reached only a half of all 400 interns. Fifteen interns (26.3%) presented their research findings at a conference, and seven (12.3%) had managed to publish their findings. The main attractions to research were improving prospects of a successful residency/fellowship match (71.7%) and desire to learn more about the research subject (17%). Conclusion: Most interns in our sample expressed interest in being involved in research. The driving forces behind such eagerness, however, remain to be explicitly explored—although the majority of the sampled interns cited improved chances for a successful residency/fellowship match as the main reason.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassar Alamri
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Department of General Medicine, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Hassan Qahwaji
- Department of Emergency Medicine, King Abdulaziz Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Saif
- Department of Emergency Medicine, King Abdulaziz Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Abu-Zaid
- College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Alamri Y. Factors Influencing Decisions to Become Involved in Research: a Study of Pre-clinical Medical Students from New Zealand. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR 2019; 29:489-492. [PMID: 34457505 PMCID: PMC8368863 DOI: 10.1007/s40670-019-00717-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rate of medical student participation in research remains relatively low despite the number of benefits it affords. The aim of the current study was to explore the factors influencing the decision to become involved in research as it pertains to pre-clinical medical students at our institution. METHODS An anonymous questionnaire was handed to second and third year (i.e. pre-clinical) medical students. RESULTS A total of 249 students returned the completed questionnaire (response rate of 42%). A sizeable proportion of the respondents (40.2%) indicated an interest in being involved in research (e.g. ethics application, data collection or reporting of results), as medical students. Neither age nor debt-burden seemed to influence the students' interest in research. Intrinsic interests in research and career progression were cited as the main motives for involvement in scholarly activities. On the other hand, the main barriers to research participation were time and financial costs. CONCLUSIONS Creative solutions specifically addressing the obstacles identified by medical students are needed in order to enhance their participation in research early in their careers. Given the limitations of this study, further research is required to corroborate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassar Alamri
- New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, Christchurch Public Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Canterbury District Health Board, 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch, 8011 New Zealand
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Moroz N, Zaccagnini M, Piraino T. The impact of a research elective on a respiratory therapy student's perspective. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY THERAPY : CJRT = REVUE CANADIENNE DE LA THERAPIE RESPIRATOIRE : RCTR 2019; 55:36-39. [PMID: 31297446 PMCID: PMC6591788 DOI: 10.29390/cjrt-2019-003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As the infrastructure of the healthcare landscape continues to change, Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) may be required to assume nontraditional roles in health care. One such role is RRTs as researchers. However, there are few opportunities for students to explore research as a career option given current rigidly structured didactic curriculums. One possible solution to this dilemma is the addition of a summertime research elective. The following article will discuss the general importance of research, followed by an overview of RRTs involved in research. We conclude this article with a narrative recount of an RRT researcher and a respiratory therapy student's initiative to organize and execute a summertime research elective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Moroz
- Respiratory & Anaesthesia Program, Vanier College, Saint-Laurent, QC, Canada
| | - Marco Zaccagnini
- Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Thomas Piraino
- Centre of Excellence in Mechanical Ventilation, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada and Department of Anesthesia Division of Critical Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Eley DS. The clinician-scientist track: an approach addressing Australia's need for a pathway to train its future clinical academic workforce. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2018; 18:227. [PMID: 30285826 PMCID: PMC6171239 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinician-scientist training represents the epitome of preparation for biomedical scientific discovery. The significance of, and need for, clinician-scientists is universally recognised as essential to progress medical research across what is regarded as the 'translational gap'. Despite a rich history of cutting-edge biomedical research, Australia has no infrastructure or career pathway for training clinician-scientists. DISCUSSION The Clinician-scientist Track (CST) was developed to address this concern at the University of Queensland. The CST concept began in 2010 with the Concurrent MD-Masters that allowed students to undertake a research Masters concurrently with their medical program. The rationale was to offer an attractive and realistic option to recruit our highest performing students into a research higher degree, with the underlying aim of encouraging those most capable, to transfer to the MD-PhD. The Concurrent MD-Masters was immediately popular and remains so. Over 8 years, enrolments rose seven-fold (60 MD-Masters, 36 MD-PhDs). The transfer rate from MD-Masters to MD-PhD is 28% supporting our original aim. CONCLUSIONS Many challenges remain for the future of the program. These challenges are underpinned by a culture that values clinician-scientists as crucial to ensuring that high quality health and medical research is undertaken and translated to patient care, but lags behind in establishing an infrastructure to develop and maintain a new generation of this vital workforce. A future challenge is to develop a coordinated approach to a supported Australian MD-PhD pathway for our most talented and committed students beginning in the undergraduate Bachelor's degree into the medical degree and throughout specialty training. Shared responsibility is necessary between institutions and stakeholders to support and nurture newly trained MD-PhDs into the post-graduate years. Flexibility across this medical training continuum that allows integration of both degrees will help ensure students make the most meaningful connections between the research and the medicine. What is paramount will be acknowledging the career expectations of an emerging cohort of medical students, in particular females, wishing to pursue research. Without these considerations we risk losing our next generation of potential clinician-scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diann S Eley
- Office of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia.
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