ABSTRACT
A survey was administered to describe research perceptions among college-level students in combined baccalaureate-MD (BA/MD) programs in the United States. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze participant research perceptions. The estimated response rate was 26% (430/1653). Most respondents conducted scientific research in high school and college and reported barriers to research participation. Key barriers to research participation included lack of time, research knowledge or experience, and sufficient research guidance as well as the disruptions of COVID-19. Most respondents reported that research-supporting programs were available at their institution and perceived faculty mentorship programs as the most helpful for broadening their research experience. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-022-01619-5.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Concern about the decline in physician scientists has generated interest in promoting research participation among medical students. This study aimed to examine perceptions of research and research-oriented careers among college-level baccalaureate-MD (BA/MD) students at one institution in the United States. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to a sample of 241 BA/MD students. Descriptive statistics were used to examine research perceptions of participants. RESULTS: The response rate was 52% (126/241). Most respondents conducted scientific research in high school and were interested in research-oriented careers. Most students participated in a research program (research course, faculty mentorship, or research grant), disseminated their research, and believed that research programs would be helpful for their research participation. The most common perceived barriers were a lack of time, interest, and prior research experience. CONCLUSIONS: College-level BA/MD students had positive perception of research-oriented careers and found student research programs helpful. However, addressing key barriers such as lack of time, interest and experience will help expand BA/MD student engagement in research.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns on public interest in ophthalmology. METHODS: Search interest data for ophthalmic services and conditions were collected from January 1, 2019 to June 21, 2020. Temporal statistical analysis was used to identify significant trends. Weekly data on ophthalmic services and conditions search interest obtained from Google Trends were analyzed with analysis of variance testing and the generalized linear model based on dates. RESULTS: Ophthalmic services searches decreased after the first COVID-19 case in the country (p<0.001); ophthalmic services and conditions search interest also declined after the first COVID-19 case and lockdown orders in each state (p<0.001). Following the first in-state COVID-19 case, search interest in ophthalmic services fell more than for ophthalmic conditions (p=0.0088). Lockdown and COVID-19 had similar effects on ophthalmic services search interest (p=0.2246), but interest in ophthalmic conditions decreased more after lockdown than after the first in-state case (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the decrease in search interest in ophthalmic services was associated with COVID-19 rather than lockdown orders, suggesting that public interest in ophthalmic care may be more sensitive to changes in the COVID-19 pandemic than lockdown orders.