ASPIRE - A Journey from Intuition to Innovation

Authors

  • Alhad Mulkalwar M.B.B.S (Bachelors Degree in Medical Sciences). Intern, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6236-3841

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1199

Keywords:

Medical student, Medical education, Research, Innovation

Abstract

The idea of academic research is perceived by many students as interesting, but what stops them from actually indulging in it, is a simple question, ‘How does one start?’ Those who do start seldom remain with the project till the end and very few eventually co-author the publication. This attrition could be fuelled by numerous factors including lack of right mentorship, conflict with academics, or simply a loss of interest. There was a need to practice and teach research from the perspective of an undergraduate and hence inculcate the culture of Research and Evidence-Based Medicine into medical education. As a solution to this predicament, a student-led research council named, ‘A.S.P.I.R.E: Association for Support and Propagation of Innovation, Research & Education’ was formed. Its activities were focused on building a peer-based research environment to learn via module-wise teaching and mentoring sessions and a practical approach to inculcate the culture of evidence-based medicine in young professionals via Journal club sessions. This article summarizes the author’s experience of implementing this idea and the hurdles and barriers he faced in the process. The author also provides a reflection on this journey which provided him with innumerable lessons and positive takeaways.

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References

Brass LF. Is an MD/PhD program right for me? Advice on becoming a physician-scientist. Mol Biol Cell. 2018;29(8):881–5.

Reinders JJ, Kropmans TJ, Cohen-Schotanus J. Extracurricular research experience of medical students and their scientific output after graduation. Med Educ. 2005;39(2):237.

Murdoch-Eaton D, Drewery S, Elton S, Emmerson C, Marshall M, Smith JA, Stark P, Whittle S. What do medical students understand by research and research skills? Identifying research opportunities within undergraduate projects. Med Teach. 2010;32(3):e152-60.

Published

2022-02-22 — Updated on 2022-04-13

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How to Cite

Mulkalwar, A. (2022). ASPIRE - A Journey from Intuition to Innovation. International Journal of Medical Students, 10(1), 101–103. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1199 (Original work published April 5, 2022)

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Experience

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