THE ‘TEACHING - RESEARCH’ NEXUS IN MEDICAL EDUCATION

Abstract

Research forms an important part of the academic competencies attained during academic study. For medical students, this includes learning how to critically appraise and interpret medical and wider health care research, particularly - but not only - when relevant for one’s own current or future practice. It also includes understanding the core principles of different methods and research ethics and learning to participate in research.  The teaching - research nexus: strategies to implement research education in the medical curriculum. In this paper, we offer reflections on how to do this on the basis of professional anecdotal experiences by a general educationalist with a particular interest in medical education; an undergraduate medical student with a research-focussed, stand-alone additional degree, and a medical academic. Our paper initially explores the need for research education; tying in Healey’s theoretical framework in student research, and the nature of providing evidence-based patient care. The paper then presents a report on a student research programme at the University of Birmingham, England.