The Second Mediterranean Seminar on Science Writing, Editing and Publishing (SWEP - 2018), Sarajevo, December 8th, 2018.

Abstract

Introduction:The PhD program represents the biggest step in the education and the PhD itself is the crown of the work of one scientist (1). Each PhD thesis represents the contribution of the author to the development of the area in which he/she is active, and must present something new, unknown or unsufficiently explored until then, with direct implication for the practice.Aim:To present the difference between PhD program during 50 years period, with the presentation of the advantages that development and availability of science brought.Results:When different literature was not available in digital form, writing a PhD thesis after a postgraduate study and a long-term specialist work was the crown of the work of medical professional. Unfortunately, this process was sometimes difficult and was dependent on many parameters and subjective opinions, and was subject of numerous manipulations. In the present age, following the reform of education, and the implementation of Bologna Education System, the number of PhD students has increased and the study started to be held at all Universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2). All those who completed the six-year study are able to attend the PhD studies. The main obligation for student and requirement for obtaining PhD degree is article from PhD thesis published in the Current Contents database. This criterion was removed over time and the situation now is that obligation is article that is published in journal thatis in the reference database (without clear definition in which databases). Quantity is achieved but we cannot say that for quality. During the year 2017, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 11 original articles in the field of clinical medicine were published (indexed in the journals that are in the Current Contents Indexed Publications (journals that belong to CC, SCI and SCI-E base) (3,4). These 11 papers are from the field of gastroenterology, psychiatry and ophthalmology (2,3). If this is the scientific opus of already experienced scientist, the question remains what is expected from young researchers.Conclusion:Which system is better, on this question answer cannot be given, because both systems have shortcommings and advantages. The fact is that there is a gap between generations, which is unlikely to be resolved. It is also a fact that the Bologna system is not ideal, but it is currently our present (5, 6,7). A lot of students are enrolled, and the system must help them, in the process of successfully completing their PhD programs. This help cannot be achieved through the lowering of criteria (publications in science remain the only weapon in evaluation). This step leads to decreasing of quality. Quality is what needs to be taught, quality is the only one that science needs. The results in 2017 for Bosnia and Herzegovina and even the worst experience in the past few years is the red alert and only together, both professors and students, can find a way out of one of the most difficult situations.