Research training in physiology course: Students’ perspective for outcomes, gaps, and solutions

Abstract

The Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum, launched in 2019 by the National Medical Commission (NMC), India, emphasizes the early integration of research training in undergraduate medical education to foster critical thinking, lifelong learning, and evidence-based practice. Despite this intent, systematic and structured research training for first-year medical students remains limited in implementation. This study investigated the perceived learning outcomes, challenges, and potential solutions experienced by first-year undergraduate medical students in the physiology department, who participated in a research activity aligned with the CBME framework. A cross-sectional, observational, qualitative study was conducted among undergraduate medical students in their first year of the 2023-2024 academic year. Following a sensitization session on research methodology, students engaged in a group research activity. One hundred twenty-three students voluntarily submitted written feedback in response to three open-ended questions about their learning experiences, identified gaps, and suggested improvements. Two coders independently performed a thematic analysis of the reactions, with themes and categories finalized collaboratively. The analysis identified four central themes that reflected the learning outcomes: development of teamwork skills, improvement of research and problem-solving skills, personal development and flexibility, and intellectual and academic growth. Students gained an understanding of research methods and teamwork; challenges included formulating questions and managing time effectively. Solutions involved stronger mentorship, more precise guidance, and better group coordination. In conclusion, integrating early research training into the medical curriculum from the first year of the medical program improved students’ research competencies and team-building skills. Institutional support and structured mentorship can further optimize these learning experiences. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The research highlights the importance of early research training in a Physiology course in the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum, in India, for students’ teamwork, critical thinking, academic, and research development. It also highlights gaps in research question development and time management, and proposes solutions like improved mentorship and topic direction.