Lack of research amongst undergraduate medical students in India: It’s time to act and act now

Abstract

Participation in research is important in producing doctors with an understanding of evidence-based medicine. Though a mandatory part in post-graduate medical course, research has largely been invisible from the under graduation medical course in India. Very few research opportunities are available at under graduate level. The reason behind this is lack of encouragement, lack of basic infrastructure, facilities and structured mentorship programs, no extra incentives to researchers and the long journey to get academic acclaim. Another additional aspect is of lack of writing skills for biomedical publication. Additional incentives to students as well faculty members are required to foster the research environment in India.

Research during medical school: is it particularly difficult in developing countries compared to developed countries?

“… 20 , 21 A published systematic review on attitudes of medical studies to medical leadership reported that one of the most important barriers to implementing research activities within medical schools is a lack of time given competing educational demands; the main cause cited by students in developing countries as their priority is in completing clinical studies. 7 , 22 …”

“…19 , 30 On the other hand, if students had prior knowledge, they are more likely to pursue academic career, especially in developed countries compared to developing countries. 7 , 14 An interview-based study revealed that 64% compared to 48% of students who had prior research experience were willing to pursue in this field. 14 This study also identified that when three domains of self-determination theory were applied, well-supported compulsory research activities that incorporate group learning and elements of choice may promote motivation to do research and, potentially, careers in research, even in a research-naive student body.…”

“… 45 Similarly, a large proportion of medical students from India do not actively take part in research after completing medical school due to some common, repetitive reasons in the developing world. 7 A cross-sectional review stated that even the findings of positive attitude lacked the power to assess a possible causal relationship between the engagement in research and attitudinal changes as students passed through senior and to postgraduate years. 46 This indicates that just an interest in research or even playing part in research during undergraduate years does not necessarily imply a choice of future academic career.…”

“…Three big reasons for this poor attitude in developing countries seem to be lack of career opportunities in academics, lack of resources in relation to funding as well as electronic resources such as Internet and lack of time in relation to clinical services, which is viewed as more important or demands from the curriculum. 7 , 8 , 30 , 47 …”

“… 6 Unfortunately, the future of academic medicine has come into question as recent reports point to declining numbers of clinician–scientists in both developed and developing countries. 7 – 10 We here review and describe some of the reasons behind the difference in interest amongst medical students from developing and developed countries and their research output. We also discuss the factors that motivate students to get involved in research, with additional focus on undergraduate students from developing countries.…”