Clinician Mentorship in Promoting Medical Student Research Engagement

Document Type : Short Communication

Author

1 Department of General Medicine, Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand

2 Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand

10.22038/fmej.2025.87752.1646

Abstract

Medical student engagement in research has been dwindling. Data predicting future trends are not promising either. Also, attempts to motivate medical students to participate in academic and research endeavours, opportunities and circumstances surrounding them should also be addressed. In this article, we shed light on nuanced and unique aspects of research mentorship. Involvement of medical students as supervised editors (of both medical students and mainstream journals) has long-lasting benefits for their future academic careers. Additionally, supervised research activities are more likely to reap their full benefits if the duration of the research project is tailored to the type of supervisors, and the amount of time available for the students and their supervisors to have a collaborative and non-rushed relationship. Therefore, meaningful mentorship by clinicians propels and encourages medical students in their academic and research journeys.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Future of Medical Education Journal
Volume 15, Issue 4
November 2025
Pages 59-62

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