ABSTRACT
The MD-PhD programme allows medical students to be trained in one programme and obtain two degrees, one in medicine and the other in research. In America, some countries in Europe and the far East, the MBBS is always referred to as MD. However, in UK, Australia, some countries in the Indian subcontinent and Africa, including Sudan, the MD is a postgraduate degree. The main goal is to produce physicians-scientist who can conduct clinical work with a researcher mindset. Other benefits are to provide research leaders, mentors and supervisors for the next generations of doctors. We searched Medline (PubMed) and Google Scholar for scientific publications published in English since 1950. We used the keywords MBBS-PhD OR MD-PhD programme AND academic medicine AND Sudan AND research OR barriers of research OR epidemiology. The Sudan Medical specialization board (SMSB) is the only postgraduate body in Sudan for training of medical doctors at postgraduate level and candidate will receive MDs in different clinical specialities after competing four years of training (research dissertation is expected to be completed in year four). In this review, we proposed that SMSB offer an MD-PhD programme at the postgraduate level with a duration of 6–7 years, with PhD in clinical epidemiology. Notably, the pandemic of COVID-19 brought immense recognition and light for the importance of epidemiology in managing the infectious disease and the management of the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (diabetes and hypertension). In addition, clinical epidemiological research requires relatively less funding than molecular or cellular research. The databases for population studies will allow: how the illness develops, analysing data with understanding of the social and ethical conditions in Sudan, so researchers can produce solutions based on innovations with a practical ability to communicate these solutions to different teams. Therefore, a candidate like this needs to be trained in advanced understanding of statistics, logic, critical thinking, planning and strategizing skills and the ability to use broad clinical and research knowledge to understand the link between diseases and traditions and customs of different tribes in Sudan. Therefore, the MD-PhD programme in Sudan will lead to the establishment of new generations of clinical scientists who will be able to shed light on the behaviour of different diseases in Sudan including COVID-19 and how to apply appropriate strategies in management and prevention. © 2022 Journal of Public Health and Emergency. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Academic medicine is vital for Sudan as it reflects progress in diseases prevention and management, and it enhances both medical practice and academic environment. The academic medicine can be defined as interrelationships among teaching, research, and clinical service. For this reason, all the medical colleges in Sudan recommended that all staff should be involved in research practice, teaching beside clinical services. Importantly, many universities in Sudan are offering a master degree in medical education, which prove to be very popular among doctors. During the pandemic of COVID-19, the appreciation and enthusiasm for research and medical teaching increased not only in Sudan but worldwide. In addition, research output is of a significant value in increasing the chance of success in accreditation of medical schools and the ability to attract national and international funds. Importantly, several studies showed that more than 90% of doctors in Africa and Sudan are interested in participation in research. In this article, we will try to highlight the challenges and solutions that influence the chance for men and women to participate in academic medicine in Sudan. Some of these factors are also shared worldwide and represent common challenges for doctors in developing and developed countries. We have also tried to reflect on barriers that related to the culture and customs of Sudan, which can also decrease chance of participation in academic medicine. We have also presented an attempt for how to overcome all these problems and suggested possible solutions. © 2022 AME Publishing Company. All Rights Reserved.
ABSTRACT
Sudan is a country with huge natural resources and this may provide a potential for a rich and diverse health research economy especially in medicine. It is important that both basic and applied medical research will be directed and prioritized according to the need of Sudanese communities based on experiments tested in the lab and can be implemented in bedside practice. This can help in facing the health challenges associated with communicable and non-communicable disease. Research in medical education is also needed especially with an increase in the numbers of medical schools. Research for everyone involved in medical education and practice should be adopted as a way forward in Sudan. In other words, research engaged medical force will improve the medical care in Sudan. For instance, doctors can develop expertise, deep learning in their specialties and enhance their chance of developing theories and proposal (satisfy the need for doctors inquiring minds). University hospitals and patients will benefit from recent advancements in medicine in term of diagnostic and treatment. Importantly, research is bringing satisfaction, dynamism and opportunity for doctors to leave a legacy for the next generations of doctors in Sudan. During the pandemic of COVID-19, it is clear that more research is needed in Sudan. Importantly, diabetes, obesity and hypertension are known to have a high prevalence in Sudan and also risk factors for COVID-19. This is a challenging time for the health system in Sudan, and perhaps investing in research will help in keeping people well and open new venues for health service in Sudan. We very much hope that this article will increase understanding and enthusiasm about research in communicable, non-communicable diseases, medical education and social medicine. Therefore, we feel that every doctor in Sudan should engage in research activities so that current and future patients can benefit from the outcomes of these research activities. © Journal of Public Health and Emergency. All rights reserved.