Background: University based research is an integral part of many prestigious medical schools worldwide. The benefits of student-conducted research have long been highlighted in the literature. This article aims to identify the insights of medical students concerning research training, including perceived hurdles in the way of conducting research, and the utility of a research thesis in acquiring a Doctor of Medicine degree. Methods: A total of 808 medical students at Jordan University of Science and Technology were selected by random sampling with a confidence level of 95%. A survey was constructed by a group of students through literature review and group discussions. The survey utilized polar and Likert scale questions to collect data from the students. Statistical inferences were then obtained through analysis of means and one sample t-test of the hypothesis. Results: A total of 687 students filled out the survey (85%). Analysis shows that respondents have a strong and positive attitude towards research. The respondents with past research experience constituted 14.3% of those surveyed. Those respondents identified the barriers faced by them during their experience. The students showed high degree of agreement that a research thesis should be a prerequisite for graduation with statistical significance of p-value ≤0.05. Conclusion: Modifying the curriculum to include research methodology is recommended, and developing it to incorporate a thesis as a requirement for graduation may be advised upon further review.

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Background: Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a rare disorder of the blood, estimated at around 500 cases worldwide. It is characterized by a dysregulation of T-cells in the immune system, and is caused by a defect in the process that mediates leukocyte apoptosis. This may result in an increased risk of lymphoma and autoimmune diseases. Case: The author reports a case of an 11-year-old male who had been followed up since three years of age for recurrent cytopenias, occurring with intermittent breakouts of purpuric rash, nosebleeds, and prolonged infections. Conclusion: A probable diagnosis was made through criteria based on the First International ALPS workshop of 2009. This includes the presence of circulating double-negative T cells, considered the laboratory marker unique for ALPS. The mainstay of treatment was prednisone, given at doses varying in proportion to the severity of immunocytopenia. osis.