Analysing the Impact of an Elective Research Experience on Medical Students' Research Perceptions

Publication of Medical Student Summer Research: A Multi-institutional Analysis

Objective

Summer research programs can support medical students' exposure to research and scholarly activity, and strengthen their applications for residency positions, particularly if students are able to generate peer-reviewed publications resulting from their summer experience. We aimed to estimate the rate of publication among medical student summer projects and identify any predictors of projects' progress to publication.

Methods

Projects were identified from abstract books published by five medical schools' summer research programs for rising second-year medical students. Resulting publications were queried in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Abstract characteristics were correlated with publication outcomes using bivariate analysis.

Results

We identified 158 eligible abstracts representing medical student summer research projects. Overall, 34% resulted in publication, but Kaplan-Meier analysis found that only one-quarter were published within 3 years of presentation (i.e., around the time of graduation from medical school). No abstract characteristics were associated with odds of any vs. no publication, and only disclosure of project funding was (negatively) associated with the hazard of publication.

Conclusions

Summer research programs fostering medical students' engagement in research may not directly lead to the publication of work completed during the program for most participants. Tracking the likelihood of publishing summer project results can help medical schools effectively advise students on how to maximize the utility of their participation in extracurricular research, without leading to burnout or disenchantment. Further research is needed to understand how connecting students and mentors with longitudinal support after the end of a summer program might facilitate project completion and publication.

Ensuring the Future Pool of Gastroenterologists in the United Kingdom Is Imperative

This perspective article explores the importance of fostering interest in gastroenterology among medical students and addressing the barriers that deter them from pursuing careers in this specialty. The paper highlights the critical role of early exposure to research, specialized electives, and mentorship in encouraging students to consider gastroenterology as a career choice. Current challenges include limited access to specialized electives and research opportunities within UK medical schools, inadequate hands-on experience, and a perceived lack of stability and control over future training pathways. Additionally, suboptimal working conditions in the National Health Service (NHS) and uncertainty in the allocation of foundation jobs further discourage students from specializing in gastroenterology. To address these issues, the paper proposes several strategies: expanding gastroenterology electives, increasing research opportunities through grassroots initiatives and developing targeted mentorship programs to guide and inspire students. Furthermore, enhancing diversity and representation within the specialty by removing barriers for female medical students is crucial for creating a more inclusive environment. This article combines insights from existing literature, personal experiences, and innovative educational initiatives to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of gastroenterology training for medical students. The recommendations aim to inspire new approaches to medical education and training that will cultivate a well-prepared, diverse, and motivated workforce ready to advance the field of gastroenterology.

Comparative analysis of factors and barriers intervening in research participation among romanian and international medical graduates from one romanian medical faculty across three generations

OBJECTIVES

This study focuses on the factors that encouraged engagement in research activities, as well as the barriers that restricted their involvement, until the final year of study at Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Medicine. The main objectives of this study are to investigate potential disparities in research culture and student engagement in various research opportunities between Romanian and international medical graduates, as well as to conduct an examination of the observed patterns across various graduating years (2021-2023).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional investigation was conducted among graduate students of the Faculty of Medicine at the Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. From 2021 to 2023, all graduate students from the Romanian and international programs of the faculty were asked to participate in the study by filling out an anonymous online questionnaire. The final sample included 572 participants, of whom 392 were students from the Romanian section and 180 were students from international programs.

RESULTS

Motivation and personal interest drive research engagement, according to over half of graduates. For over one-third of graduates, institutional elements like financial support and education also play a major role, as does the desire to enhance their curriculum vitae. More than 25% of graduates value community influence, 70% of graduates attended medical congresses, 12-15% presented papers at medical conferences, 23% wrote medical articles, 10-15% published at least one scientific paper in medical journals, and 20% participated in medical school research projects. Comparative analysis showed that Romanian students start research earlier, attend more medical conferences, present posters, collect data for studies, and are more interested in publishing graduation thesis data in scientific journals. To encourage international students to participate in research, the study found that colleagues' examples were more important, and both time and funds were key barriers. The research also shows that 2022 and 2023 graduates will organize more scientific conferences. According to the study, 2022 graduates began their research earlier than others.

CONCLUSIONS

To increase student engagement in research activities, medical schools should prioritize the promotion of positive factors, minimize common barriers, offer customized support and resources, encourage collaborative research activities, and facilitate cross-cultural learning.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers Toward Research Among Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study in Turkey

Background

Scientific research is essential in medicine to practice evidence-based medicine and improve healthcare quality. Research experience enables students to hone their skills in thinking critically, understanding data, and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of scientific articles.

Objective

This study aims to determine knowledge, attitudes, and barriers toward research and assess research participation experience among medical students in Turkey.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among medical students in Turkey. Data was collected using an online self-administered questionnaire.

Results

A total of 487 students, 65.1% female, completed the questionnaire. The majority of students (78.9%) showed a poor level of knowledge regarding research, although 23.2% had previously participated in a research project. Females reported significantly higher positive attitude scores (32.2 versus 31.3, p = 0.034) than males. Graduates of high schools based abroad had substantially lower knowledge scores than Anatolian, Science, and Private High School graduates (1.4 versus 2.7, 2.6, 2.4; p < 0.001). Students with experience in a research project had significantly higher knowledge scores (2.7 versus 2.3, p = 0.045). Students who wish to participate in a scientific research project in their future career had both substantially higher positive attitude scores (32.4 versus 29.6, p < 0.001) and knowledge scores (2.5 versus 1.8, p < 0.001) than those with no interest.

Conclusion

Most participants had a positive attitude but lacked research knowledge. Some perceived barriers were lack of funding, time, proper mentoring, laboratories, and facilities. Developing better training systems may help to convert students' positive attitudes toward research into improved knowledge, practices, and overcoming research barriers.

Supplementary information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-024-01987-0.