Medical student perceptions of research and research-orientated careers: An international questionnaire study

Abstract

Background: Engaging and inspiring the next generation of physician-scientists at an early stage is recognised as key to ensure the future of medical research. However, little is known about medical student perceptions of research.

Objectives: We attempted to ascertain perceptions of research and research-orientated careers from medical students studying in different countries.

Methods: An online questionnaire was developed, piloted, and promoted to medical students in various countries.

Results: 1625 responses were collected from 38 countries. Analysis was restricted to data collected from countries with >100 responses (n = 890). Less than half the respondents felt their medical school provided adequate research training. Key perceived barriers to research participation as a student included lack of time and difficulty finding mentors or projects. A significant gender disparity existed in research ambitions of students with females desiring less research involvement. The importance of barriers and satisfaction with research training differed significantly between countries.

Conclusions: Students perceive a number of key barriers to research involvement and pursuit of research-orientated careers. Programmes designed to engage students with research should focus on overcoming identified barriers. Greater effort is needed to engage female students who report more significant barriers and less desire to follow research-orientated careers.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all Medical schools who participated in the study and the focus groups at the Universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh and the CISCC. We are grateful to Dr Clark Russell for his advice throughout the study.

Disclosure statement

RP is Chairman of NSAMR.

The authors have no other declarations of interest to make.

Funding information

The study had minimal expenses, however, funding, totalling less than £200, was kindly provided by The National Student Association of Medical Research (NSAMR), which in turn is funded by the Welcome Trust. GF and AMHY are Patrons of NSAMR.

Notes on contributors

Garth Funston, BSc (Hons), MB BChir, is an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow at the University of Manchester.

Rory Piper, BMedSci (Hons), MBChB, is an NIHR Academic Foundation doctor at the University of Cambridge.

Claire Connell, MB BChir, PhD, is an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow at the University of Cambridge.

Philip Foden, BSc, MSc, is a Clinical Statistician at the University Hospital of South Manchester.

Adam Young, BSc (Hons), MB BChir, is an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow at the University of Cambridge.

Paul O'Neill, BSc (Hons), MB ChB, MD, is a Professor of Medical Education at the University of Manchester.