EDITORIAL: One Small Step

One small step

Dr. David H. Huble, receiver of Nobel Prize in medicine, in his letter to the McGill Journal of Medicine(1) states, ‘Medical science has expanded explosively and opportunities to learn what research is like are available to anyone for the asking.’ His statement reflects the current trend in many western medical schools where research forms a part of the training(2,3). However, to most of us, research is a naïve topic. We find reading journals awkward and somebody who actually does so is under the risk of being called a ‘nerd’. However, the importance of research and reading journals from student life cannot be undermined. Hence we bring forth The J-Med, a student-run wall journal, to entice medical students to the field of research and scientific expression.

Our first issue comes at a time when the STUDENTJAMA has already ceased publication since it believes that medical students are now capable of contributing directly into the JAMA instead of STUDENTJAMA due to incorporation of critical appraisal and research in their curriculum(3). So, with many medical journals publishing students’ works, is there a need for a student journal? We believe that there is. The logic of STUDENTJAMA doesn’t apply to our setting. A student journal may attract many students to submit their articles for publication for the first time, a process that might serve as an important stepping stone and incentive for further research endeavours. A new journal focusing primarily on student authorship may also provide them with increased opportunities to receive recognition they deserve for pursuing independent work(4). A student journal will also lack the complexities usually perceived by students in medical journals not solely intended for students. It can also act as a forum for discussing issues relevant to medical students.

The concept of a wall journal has emerged out of our need to be financially succinct and at the same time be accessible to a large number of students. The first issue of the journal may have many shortcomings, as is expected. However, we are determined to learn from them and improve on. Our future initiatives include, expansion of our sections, producing the journal in electronic format and inclusion of articles from students of other medical colleges within Nepal.

We hope that you will share our enthusiasm in bringing out this first issue. We believe that this is the first step, a small one, which marks the beginning of a journey that will culminate in a collective glory for all the medical students and professionals within the country.

Siddhartha Yadav, MBBS 4th year student, Maharajgunj Campus, Institute of Medicine. Email: [e-mail]

References:
1.Hubel HD. Congratulations to MJM (letter). MJM 1995;1(1): www.medicine.mcgill.ca/mjm/issues/v01n01/congrats.html (Accessed 21 Nov, 2006)

2.Udani SD, Haylett KR. The Road to Research. studentBMJ 2005;13:397- 440 November.

3.DeAngelis CD, Fontanarosa PB. JAMA and Medical Students- New Opportunities. JAMA. 2004;291:2872

4.Ward B. Undue Credit for Supervisors [letter]. Nature 1994;368:579