I read with interest the article by Cuschieri et al. which provides valuable insight into the importance of exposing medical students to research and the feasibility of remote research opportunities [1]. The amount of medical students conducting research has decreased over the past few years [2]. This is a concern as it can significantly impact their future careers as physicians. By participating in research, medical students can enhance patient outcomes by incorporating evidence-based medicine (EBM) in their future practice since it keeps them updated with the most recent advancements in the medical field [3].
Prioritizing universities’ role in creating an environment that encourages and supports medical students’ research activities might be a way to address this issue. One of the first steps we should take is to provide classes with not only theoretical content but also with a practical training focused on research methodology, statistics, and academic writing. With this, medical students will have the theoretical foundations and the development of skills and practical experience necessary to participate actively in research projects. Another step could be for universities to offer research grants, internships, or mentoring programs where students can work on real-world projects under the guidance of experienced university researchers. Recognizing and rewarding students’ contributions to research through publications in medical journals, presentations at international conferences, and awards can also help create a research culture within the medical school and inspire more.
Medical research is an essential part of the professional development of medical students as future physicians and serves as a possible way of exploration and self-discovery. Participating in research allows medical students to discover new health interests, passions, and potential career paths they may not have considered, which can lead to a career-changing experience.
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Conflict of Interest
The author declares no competing interests.
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References
- 1.Cuschieri A, Cuschieri S. Analysing the impact of an elective research experience on medical students’ research perceptions. Med Sci Educ. 2003;1–8. 10.1007/s40670-023-01727-w. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed]
- 2.Mahmood Shah SM, Sohail M, Ahmad KM, Imtiaz F, Iftikhar S. Grooming future physician-scientists: evaluating the impact of research motivations, practices, and perceived barriers towards the uptake of an academic career among medical students. Cureus. 2017;9(12):e1991. 10.7759/cureus.1991. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed]
- 3.Stone C, Dogbey GY, Klenzak S, Van Fossen K, Tan B, Brannan GD. Contemporary global perspectives of medical students on research during undergraduate medical education: a systematic literature review. Med Educ Online. 2018;23(1):1537430. doi: 10.1080/10872981.2018.1537430. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]