Research as a syllabus in medical undergraduate curriculum: is this important in nurturing future researchers?

摘要

Research in undergraduate medical curriculum has been a topic of debate. We believe that exposing undergraduate medical students to active research not only makes them efficient researchers but also familiarizes them with various research ethics and protocols. The research exposure enriches the young individual with proper knowledge which may be lacking in standard textbooks. This exposure to research helps undergraduate medical students realize the importance of research at an early stage. Unfortunately, all over the world, both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students seem to be less interested in pursuing active research. They prefer to opt for professional and financial benefits.Due to the recent economic recession, many developing countries are handicapped by paucity of research funds. This often compels researchers in these countries to seek better pastures overseas. Even in the advanced countries, there is severe competition amongst researchers. There is an urgent need to keep medical research alive in the developing and developed countries.