Twelve tips for introducing students to research and publishing: A medical student's perspective

Background: Medical students claim to have inadequate opportunities to conduct research, whilst some do not know how to make the initial steps. There is a need for medical educators to not only direct students to research opportunities but also to counsel them on the attitudes required for the student's success in a research environment. Aim: This article gives educators 12 tips on guidance that might help motivated medical students when starting their research careers. The various opportunities for students to participate in research are also identified. Method: Tips were devised from personal experience and a review of the literature. Results: The 12 tips are: (1) Educate students on the benefits of research. (2) Encourage students to take the initiative to create opportunities for themselves. (3) Encourage students to undertake extracurricular research. (4) Encourage students to network with other researchers. (5) Encourage students to engage with student-selected components of their courses. (6) Encourage students to apply for summer research programmes. (7) Encourage students to attend scientific conferences. (8) Advise students to consider intercalated degrees. (9) Encourage students to do research during elective placements. (10) Make students aware of the MBPhD courses. (11) Emphasise research as a learning process and reduce focus on output. (12) Advise students to balance their academic and research interests. Conclusions: The 12 tips highlight important attitudes for students to take in research as well as highlighting various opportunities for research.