From medical students to physician-scientists: Strengthening the research ecosystem in India’s medical colleges and universities

BACKGROUND India’s healthcare system has made significant progress since independence in 1947. The infant mortality rate (IMR) has fallen from 145.6 per 1000 live births to 25 in 2023, and life expectancy has risen from 32 years to 70.19 years over the same period.1,2 India is home to 407 indexed medical journals in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), representing 1.8% of all journals in the directory.3 There are 808 medical schools in India, enrolling 1,23,700 MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) students, which accounts for about 1/5th of medical schools worldwide, as per the World Federation for Medical Education’s (WFME).4,5 Indian medical students constitute nearly 1/3rd of the global medical student population. To strengthen research output, the National Medical Council (NMC) has introduced a mandatory Basic Course in Biomedical Research (BCB) for postgraduate students and faculty, emphasizing publication in indexed journals.6 The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also provides funding for student-led research.7 These initiatives aim to foster a research culture among medical professionals and students. Given India’s role as a global pharmaceutical hub, increasing publications in reputable journals is essential to showcase innovations. SIGNIFICANCE OF A RESEARCH CULTURE IN MEDICAL EDUCATION Establishing a strong research culture in medical education is critical for several reasons. Introducing research from the first year of medical school encourages inquiry and critical thinking, skills essential for future healthcare professionals.8,9 Early exposure to research allows students to engage with scientific literature and understand processes such as data collection, analysis, and interpretation. This fosters evidence-based medicine and informed clinical decision-making. Research participation also develops teamwork, communication, and project management skills.8,9 A robust research culture can drive medical advancements, particularly in a diverse country like India with unique health challenges. Training future doctors in research promotes the development of innovative treatments and public health strategies tailored to local needs. Early research engagement also prepares students for postgraduate opportunities, enhances academic excellence, and increases publication rates, positioning India as a significant contributor to global medical research.8,9 INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE RESEARCH CULTURE: THE CASE OF NTRUHS Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences (NTRUHS) organized a Research Day on January 12th to honor Dr. Yellapragada Subbarao, an Indian biochemist known for discovering adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and developing methotrexate. This event aims to inspire young scientists and promote a culture of inquiry and innovation.10,11 NTRUHS has also taken several structured steps toward strengthening academic research over the past decade. Notably, the university established its official medical journal in 2012, now indexed in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and Google Scholar.12–14 Over a recent 5-year period, the journal has achieved an H-index of 11, demonstrating steady growth and scholarly engagement.14 In addition to publication platforms, the university conducts annual research methodology and publication workshops for faculty and students, fostering research competencies at multiple academic levels.12,13 Furthermore, inspired by the Indian Council of Medical Research’s Short-Term Studentship (ICMR-STS), NTRUHS introduced its own Undergraduate Student Research Scholarships (UG-SRS) program to promote early student engagement in scientific inquiry. Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate that the foundation for a sustainable research ecosystem is already in place, providing a strong platform for future expansion and policy-driven academic growth. Furthermore, in Andhra Pradesh, several renowned medical colleges such as RMC Kakinada, Guntur Medical College, and Siddhartha Medical College are planning to start their own journals to encourage research publications.15 It is envisioned that all medical colleges in the state will establish similar journals, with each volume including at least one meta-analysis. To support these efforts, integrating the BCBR course into the MBBS curriculum is recommended.9 Making research a core component of medical education will build a sustainable research culture and drive healthcare innovation. POLICY AND INSTITUTIONAL IMPLICATIONS Mandatory Research Training: The NMC and ICMR should collaborate to integrate clinical research as a mandatory part of the MBBS curriculum, including assessments, to foster innovation. Development of Structured MD–PhD Programs: Although the ICMR previously initiated MD–PhD-like research pathways, sustained national implementation has remained limited. Universities such as NTRUHS, along with other leading medical institutions, and the NMC could take the lead in developing structured MD–PhD programs, drawing inspiration from established physician-scientist training models in the United States. Funding Support: Increase governmental and institutional funding for student-led research projects to ensure access to necessary resources. Establishment of Institutional Journals: Encourage all medical colleges to establish indexed journals to promote student and faculty publications. Mentorship Programs: Develop mentorship initiatives where experienced researchers guide students and faculty in research, grant writing, and publication. Collaboration with Global Institutions: Facilitate international partnerships for knowledge sharing, workshops, and exposure to global research standards. Incentives for Research Excellence: Implement reward programs for significant research contributions, including grants, publication bonuses, and recognition awards. FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND CONCLUSION Cultivating a mindset where every medical student is seen as a budding scientist is essential to encourage lifelong inquiry and innovation. Each medical college should establish an indexed journal, publishing at least one meta-analysis or systematic review per edition to promote academic rigor. Empowering Indian researchers to develop indigenous medications will enhance self-reliance in pharmaceuticals and address local healthcare challenges. By prioritizing research engagement, India can nurture a generation of medical professionals equipped to innovate, lead, and contribute meaningfully to global medical science. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.