Research skills in medical education

Abstract

The ability to find, interpret and use information is a key skill in any clinician's arsenal. During medical training, we aim to equip our students with the ability to navigate the potentially baffling amount of information available online, and come to valid conclusions. This article reflects on the nature of research skills and how they are delivered in medical education. It also explores whether these are the most efficient methods for enabling students to become able researchers. Comparisons with other types of university degrees are made, and consideration given to how research skills should best be integrated into our teaching.

Keywords

• research skills
• transferable skills
• life-long learning
• employability