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| LETTER TO EDITOR |
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| Year : 2016 | Volume
: 43
| Issue : 2 | Page : 106-107 |
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Success and failure in medical research
Rajat Sanker Roy Biswas1, Chand Roy Biswas2
1 Department of Medicine, Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh
2 Department of English, Joshoda Negendra Nandi Girls College, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| Date of Web Publication | 18-May-2016 |
Correspondence Address:
Rajat Sanker Roy Biswas
Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College, Chittagong
Bangladesh
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0974-5009.182611
How to cite this article:
Biswas RS, Biswas CR. Success and failure in medical research
. J Sci Soc 2016;43:106-7 |
Sir,
Research in medicine is the most sophisticated, dignified, and difficult science for beginners. [1] Due to the lack of knowledge in basics of research, it would remain a fearful subject throughout life. Bangladesh is in a developing stage, especially with respect to medical science. Research is still prevailing here as a new concept for clinicians and students. So the main objective of the letter is to highlight drawbacks and to provide insights to the future researchers of Bangladesh for their successful careers.
Actually, the foundation of research starts from the early learning of biostatistics and epidemiology during the graduate course [Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)] in Bangladesh. But unfortunately, it gets a very poor shape at these stages and ignorance starts from here.
To get oneself admitted for postgraduation, only some reading regarding basic definitions and few questions pertaining to statistics and research is needed. Students could be successful even by skipping these questions and this further deepens the ignorance.
During fellowship or residency, we need to submit a dissertation or thesis. Due to prior lack of knowledge and exposure, the conduct of research becomes difficult. They try to get help from others for protocol preparation, data analysis, and scientific writing. For the sake of completion, research is done and once the course is over, they do not want to indulge in research again.
Additionally, the attitude of the seniors is not friendly in awakening the zeal among the juniors for research. Only a few postgraduate doctors are research-oriented. To bring research into the forefront is the big question.
During postgraduate training, interesting cases can be recorded. Modern smartphones can be easily used to take interesting photographs. [1] Most prestigious journals of medical science such as "The New England Journal of Medicine" has a separate section for publishing interesting photographs after editing and peer reviewing. Other journals have similar sections as well. During the training period, students can start by submitting photographs or case reports to such national and international journals. [2] It would help the new researchers to understand the different online submission procedures, writing a case report, writing references in the correct format, submission protocols, addressing reviewers' comments, avoiding plagiarism, etc. [2],[3]
During the preparation of a postgraduate thesis or a dissertation, there should be honesty. After protocol acceptance and data collection, analysis and report writing should be done honestly. [1] We should not be biased with premeditated outcomes, which is the major shortcoming in dealing with data in our country. Every fresh researcher should try to publish his/her own thesis or dissertation in indexed national or preferably international journals. It may not be accepted in the first, second, or even third submission, but it adds to the learning that can be used for the future. [3]
The other habits that could be inculcated include checking online journals regularly, reading up-to-date information, subscribing to different online sites like Medscape, Medline, PubMed, MedKnow, etc.
Bangladesh is passing through a transitional period, from where it might move in a faster pace. We physicians, have to keep ourselves ready for the long run, to keep in pace with researchers across the world. So, let us begin with a research mind first, as "Much is gone, but much remains" to have that "Golden fleece."
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
| References | |  |
| 1. | Singh A, Singh S, Mercy P, Singh AK, Singh D, Singh M, et al. Art of publication and selection of journal. Indian Dermatol Online J 2014;5:4-6.  [ PUBMED]  |
| 2. | Kallestinova ED. How to write your first research paper. Yale J Biol Med 2011;84:181-90. |
| 3. | Hess DR. How to write an effective discussion. Respir Care 2004;49:1238-41. |
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