Clinician-scientist (MD-PhD) postgraduate programs in Sudan: challenges, strategies, implementations and future directions?

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.

Centralized Otolaryngology Research Efforts: Stepping-stones to Innovation and Equity in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

The Centralized Otolaryngology Research Efforts (CORE) grant program coordinates research funding initiatives across the subspecialties of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Modeled after National Institutes of Health study sections, CORE grant review processes provide comprehensive reviews of scientific proposals. The organizational structure and grant review process support grant-writing skills, attention to study design, and other components of academic maturation toward securing external grants from the National Institutes of Health or other agencies. As a learning community and a catalyst for scientific advances, CORE evaluates clinical, translational, basic science, and health services research. Amid the societal reckoning around long-standing social injustices and health inequities, an important question is to what extent CORE engenders diversity, equity, and inclusion for the otolaryngology workforce. This commentary explores CORE's track record as a stepping-stone for promoting equity and innovation in the specialty. Such insights can help maximize opportunities for cultivating diverse leaders across the career continuum.

Paediatric/congenital cardiology physician scientists-An endangered species.

Producing excellent physician scientists starts with the active discovery of talent and dedication, supported by the strong belief that physician involvement in biomedical research is essential to make fundamental discoveries that improve human health. The revolution of surgical and interventional therapy of structural heart disease has had 'profoundly positive effects on survival and quality of life over the decades. (…) Small increments in clinical improvement will still be possible in the future, but for the most part, the potential for major advancement using these techniques has been exhausted' (Frank Hanley, MD; Stanford). Personalized medicine, rapid genetic diagnostics, RNA and extracellular vesicle biology, epigenetics, gene editing, gene and stem cell-derived therapy are exemplary areas where specialized training for paediatric/congenital cardiology physician scientists will be increasingly needed to further advance the field. About a decade ago, a series in Circulation discussed academic career models and highlighted the major challenges facing the cardiovascular 'clinician scientist' (syn. physician scientist), which have not abated since. To develop the skills and expertise in both clinical congenital cardiology and basic research, the training of fellows must be focused and integrated. The current pandemic COVID-19 puts additional pressure and hurdles on fellows-in-training (FIT) and early career investigators (ECI) who aim to establish, consolidate or expand their own research group. Here, we discuss the major challenges, opportunities and necessary changes for academic institutions to sustain and recruit physician scientists in paediatric/congenital cardiology in the years to come.