Critical Thinking and Scientific Writing Skills of Non-Anglophone Medical Students: a Model of Training Course

Insights into research activities of senior dental students in the Middle East: A multicenter preliminary study

BACKGROUND

Despite the increasing recognition of the importance of research in undergraduate dental education, limited studies have explored the nature of undergraduate research activities in dental schools in the Middle East region. This study aimed to evaluate the research experience of final year dental students from three dental schools in the Middle East.

METHODS

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among final-year dental students from three institutions, namely Jordan University of Science and Technology, University of Sharjah (UAE), and Oman Dental College. Participants were asked about the nature and scope of their research projects, the processes involved in the research, and their perceived benefits of engaging in research.

RESULTS

A total of 369 respondents completed the questionnaire.  Cross-sectional studies represented the most common research type  (50.4%), with public health (29.3%) and dental education (27.9%) being the predominant domains. More than half of research proposals were developed via discussions with instructors (55.0%), and literature reviews primarily utilized PubMed (70.2%) and Google Scholar (68.5%). Regarding statistical analysis, it was usually carried out with instructor's assistance (45.2%) or using specialized software (45.5%). The students typically concluded their projects with a manuscript (58.4%), finding the discussion section most challenging to write (42.0%). The research activity was considered highly beneficial, especially in terms of teamwork and communication skills, as well as data interpretation skills, with 74.1% of students reporting a positive impact on their research perspectives.

CONCLUSIONS

The research experience was generally positive among surveyed dental students. However, there is a need for more diversity in research domains, especially in qualitative studies, greater focus on guiding students in research activities s, especially in manuscript writing and publication. The outcomes of this study could provide valuable insights for dental schools seeking to improve their undergraduate research activities.

Earlier First Publication Is Associated with More Future Publication

Participation in clinical research has served clinicians to develop academic careers, as well as to deepen clinical insights, implement evidence-based medicine practices, and even inspire new clinical questions. Early engagement in academic pursuits may better prepare clinicians to maintain long-term research productivity, rather than starting later in their careers.We included medical doctors who graduated from a medical university and retrospectively followed them for 10 years after graduation. The impact of at least one publication within the first 5 years on the achievement of ≥ 5 publications within 10 years was evaluated.A total of 79 medical doctors, including 60 (76%) men, were included. During the first 5 years, 21 (27%) published at least one paper. Overall, 25 (32%) achieved the primary outcome. At least one publication during the first 5 years was an independent predictor of the primary outcome (odds ratio 30.4, 95% confidence interval 2.68-251, P = 0.002). Medical doctors with at least one publication within the first 5 years had significantly higher cumulative 10-year publications compared to no publications within the first 5 years (9 [5, 13] versus 0 [0, 3], P < 0.001).In this retrospective study, we demonstrated that an early involvement in research defined by academic output was associated with higher odds of multiple publications later in a career. Prospective studies to validate our findings by involving young medical doctors in academic pursuits are needed to understand the longitudinal effects of early career academic productivity.

COVID and Lung Cancer

Purpose of Review

Since the past year, the fast spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has represented a global health threat, especially for cancer patients, that has required an urgent reorganization of clinical activities. Here, we will critically revise the profound impact that the pandemic has generated in lung cancer patients, as well the most significant challenges that oncologists have to face to maintain the highest possible standards in the management of lung cancer patients in the pandemic era.

Recent Findings

Evidences suggested a higher susceptibility and mortality of lung cancer patients due to COVID-19. The hard management of this patient population has been also due to the potential cross interference of anti-tumor drugs on SARS-Cov-2 infection and to the differential diagnosis between COVID-19 pneumonitis and drug-related pneumonitis.

Summary

COVID-19 pandemic has generated a profound reshaping of oncological activities and the development of recommendations by the oncology scientific community to prioritize anti-tumor treatments for lung cancer patients.

ENHANCING CLEAR EXPRESSION OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS, HYPOTHESES, AND OBJECTIVES THROUGH EFFECTIVE USE OF SCIENTIFIC ENGLISH

ENHANCING CLEAR EXPRESSION OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS, HYPOTHESES, AND OBJECTIVES THROUGH EFFECTIVE USE OF SCIENTIFIC ENGLISH