Work

Long-Term Research and Academic Outcomes Among Graduates of a Medical Student Research Programme: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: The Medical Student Research Programme (MSRP) was established in Norway in 2002 to recruit medical students into research and academic medicine. We aimed to describe long-term research and academic outcomes among former MSRP participants. Design: We conducted an online cross-sectional survey. Setting: The study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway. Participants: All 262 alumni who had participated in the MSRP (2002-2024) and graduated before July 2024 were invited. Outcome Measures: The primary endpoint was PhD completion. Secondary endpoints were recent publication, supervision, research leadership, academic appointment and self-identified research activity. Outcomes were self-reported and are presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI), overall and by time since graduation. Results: Median time since graduation was 8 years (IQR 5-13). Overall, 71 of 133 (53%, 95% CI 45-62) had completed a PhD and 17 (13%) were PhD candidates. PhD graduates (n = 61) obtained their doctorate a median of 4 years (IQR 3-6) after graduation, at a median age of 31 years. Sixty respondents (45%, 95% CI 37-54) had published within the past two years. Excluding current PhD candidates, 47 of 116 (41%, 95% CI 32-50) identified as active researchers and 20 of 116 (17%, 95% CI 11-25) held an academic appointment. PhD completion rose from 2 of 27 (7%) among those <5 years from graduation to 19 of 21 (90%) among those ≥15 years, and PhD supervision from 0 of 27 to 10 of 21 (48%). Conclusions: Two thirds of responding MSRP alumni had completed or were undertaking a PhD, typically within a few years of graduation, and research involvement extended well beyond doctoral training. These findings describe outcomes among survey respondents; comparative studies are needed to determine the programme's contribution.

Source: Advances in Medical Education and Practice

DOI: 10.2147/amep.s638044

Authors: Nedim Leto, Anna Therese Bjerkreim, Anne Berit Guttormsen, Karl Erik Müller

Institutions: University of Bergen, Oslo University Hospital, Haukeland University Hospital, Drammen Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Health and Medical Research Impacts

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,320