ASSESSING CLINICAL AND RESEARCH TRAINING NEEDSOF MEDICAL STUDENTS ACROSS 26 COUNTRIES

Abstract

This study surveyed medical students' attitudes toward clinical and research education as well as the factors that discouraged participation in research in 26 different nations. An online survey with 94 questions was distributed via social media and worldwide academic networks from November 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020. The survey was available in several languages. Demographics, training history, study exposure, and perceived difficulties were among the data sets examined using descriptive statistics and geographical comparison models. Latina women made up the majority of the 318 responders. Many more emigrated from other regions, including North America. The majority of students agreed that medical school research was crucial, but many also felt their institutions were lacking in resources that would allow them to conduct adequate research, such as mentors or formal training. Concerns about this intensified as the COVID-19 pandemic progressed. There was very little discussion of financial and technological issues. Research positions were more appealing to students from Latin America and other international regions than to those from North America. The data demonstrate that there is still a severe lack of research training and financing on a global scale. This exemplifies the importance of both national and local strategies to improve the study habits of future doctors.