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Abstract
Objective: To explore the potential, challenges and needs for internship research activities in achieving scholar outcomes among graduates.
Methods: A qualitative general needs assessment and evaluation of an internship research program was conducted at King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD), KSA, from December 2014 to February 2015 using focus groups and interviews. The participants included: administrates, faculty, and internship students. Data were transcribed and analyzed following the grounded theory.
Results: The participants were two administrative personnel, 21 faculty members, and 16 internship students. Results were clustered around five main domains; curriculum design, faculty, students, administrative, and institutional domain. Reported potentials included: a multi-faceted educational intervention approach, and building evidence-based skills and inquiry minds among graduates. Time, load, and incentives were major challenges reported by faculty. Interesting and achievable research topics were major challenges reported by students. Areas that needed development included: equipped research personnel, aligned administrative and institutional support, faculty skills, students’ knowledge and skills, aligned curriculum, and clear program goals, objectives, and outcomes.
Conclusion: Curriculum design, faculty and students’ skills; as well as administrative and institutional support were found to play major roles in the success of the current internship research program at KAUFD.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.
Funding
The publication of this supplement has been made possible with the generous financial support of the Dr Hamza Alkholi Chair for Developing Medical Education in KSA.
Notes on contributors
Dr. Laila Ahmed Bahammam, MSc., Cert. Endo, is an Associate Professor and Consultant of Endodontics and Endodontics Postgraduate Coordinator in the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University.
Dr. Amal I. Linjawi, MSc., PhD, is an Assistant Professor in Orthodontics, Orthodontic Postgraduate Coordinator, Saudi Board of Orthodontic Curriculum Committee Member and Head of the Saudi Board of Orthodontics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital and Director of the Educational Development Unit.