Undergraduate research in medical schools in Pakistan: Relevance, Needs, and Importance

Recent trends in medical education demand practicing physicians to be competent in playing multiple roles. Life-long learning skills underpinned by research & scholarly activity will enable them to play these roles adequately. Therefore, the introduction of structured training in research during early undergraduate years is pivotal. This would enable trainee physicians to develop essential skills; the institutions will grow in terms of visibility & ranking; the trainers and supervisors will be satisfied in terms of research productivity and, most importantly the patients will benefit in terms of improved clinical outcomes.