Medical student research output in a developing country: Where has all the research gone?

Dear Sir

The Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo (FMC) and Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (FMK), Sri Lanka, have compulsory community research projects for students. However, outcome from student research outputs of these institutions are unknown. We conducted a descriptive cross sectional study in mid 2011 among students who had completed their end of course examinations in 2010. A self administered questionnaire was used for data collection.

The response rates were 98% (192/196) and 94% (154/164) from FMC and FMK, respectively. Of these, 166/346 (48%) chose a hospital setting for their research. Most popular study areas were medicine, [105/346 (30.3%)] and reproductive health, [87/346 (25%)]. Studies on patients were done by 112 (32.4%). Descriptive studies were done by 221 (63.9%). None conducted research in basic sciences, experimental or laboratory studies. 199 (57.6%) had research communicated in scientific conferences while only 6 (1.73%) published in indexed journals. One hundred and one (29.2%) preferred research as a career. In contrast, in Germany, students contributed to 28% of university publications and 7.8% were as first author (Cursiefen & Altunbas 1998).

Student research is biased towards hospital based studies and there is a dearth in basic sciences studies, experimental and laboratory studies. Introduction of research projects earlier in the curriculum may encourage more students to do basic sciences research. Laboratory research too needs to be promoted as much of health care research may in future be in the biotechnology fields (Deo 2008).

The compulsory research program ensures research experience but it needs a parallel process to achieve a higher rate of publication. The process of publishing needs an integration of specific research skills training. This is especially true for Sri Lanka where English is not the first language. Though many did not favor for a career in research, students who have an aptitude for research should be encouraged towards a research career.

Student research should have a definitive time line and framework for submissions for communications and indexed journals. This may ensure better productivity in medical student research. This may be true to other developing countries as well.