Research Methodology Course for Postgraduate Students by National Medical Commission: A Welcome Step That Needs Complimentary Action.

Abstract

After decades of administrative hibernation, the Medical Council of India (MCI), now National Medical Commission (NMC), started deliberating on reforms in medical education a few years back. The MCI/NMC introduced vertical corrective actions, yet there is a need for horizontal integration, and these measures require adequate guidance on implementation strategies. All postgraduate medical students must conduct a research project as a “Thesis.” This crucial opportunity to instill scientific thinking is excellent, along with patient care and clinical training. This opportunity has a long-term impact on clinical practice and research and development in medicine if implemented well. To enforce this step, the Board of Governor introduced a compulsory course in basic research methods for all postgraduate medical students, but alas, without adequate deliberations on implementation and complementary mechanisms. This critical review provides a brief history of the evolution of medicine and medical education in India and reforms in medical education. Further, it presents a balanced critique of the process, intending to brainstorm in improving the process and achieving the expected outcome from this course. Albeit many relevant issues need attention, this article will focus mainly on ways to leverage infrastructure optimally to imbibe scientific thinking in medical students of India with cursory deliberation of the relevant issues.