Research Based Elective Placement - A First-hand Student Review
T. Porter, J. BeezholdIntroduction
As per the MMBS course, we are required to partake in an external elective in the fourth year, lasting four weeks. I chose to do my elective under the guidance of a consultant psychiatrist with the goal of participating in research.
Objectives
Primary Objectives:
One published article as first author One published article as an additional author
Secondary Objectives
Assist the consultant in progression of his projects, aiming towards a mutually beneficial elective
1. Enhance my own skillset for my future aspirations as a researcher
Methods
The plan involved writing a poster abstract for a journal, satisfying a first author publication. The other objective would be achieved by working in tandem with the consultant on either finalising a write-up for his concluded project, or by writing up a research protocol.
In addition to this, there were opportunistic experiences during the placement, such as the ability to peer-review two studies awaiting journal publication, and critically appraising two published articles.
Results
2 Journal reviews
2 Critical appraisals
Contributed to finalising a paper for publication
Co-wrote a research protocol
Submitted a poster abstract
Conclusions
The elective offered several experiences and opportunities for me to be involved in a variety of projects, in different aspects of the research process, from forming an idea and writing up a protocol, to reviewing finalised research projects. I believe this experience has enhanced my skillset, offered me unique insight into the world of research and provided a solid foundation to start my research career. This experience has also anecdotally shown me the importance of mentorship in supporting personal growth and development of the skills involved in research.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared