Early introduction of African medical students into scientific research: a viewpoint and literature review of the importance, barriers, and proposed solutions

Ella Bah; Frank Eyame Njoume; Laurel Nague; Yvanah  Owoundi Mbozo’o; Astel  Dongmo; Emilie  Lafortune Mback; Mercy Berinyuy; Paul Ravana; Souleymanou Kourfed; Rosalie Noah; Leslie Jogo; Ahmed Negida; Ignatius Esene

doi:10.18502/fem.v6i2.8719

Ella Bah Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Garoua, Cameroon.
Frank Eyame Njoume Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Garoua, Cameroon.
Laurel Nague Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Garoua, Cameroon.
Yvanah Owoundi Mbozo’o Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Garoua, Cameroon.
Astel Dongmo Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Garoua, Cameroon.
Emilie Lafortune Mback Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Garoua, Cameroon
Mercy Berinyuy Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Garoua, Cameroon
Paul Ravana Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Garoua, Cameroon
Souleymanou Kourfed Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Garoua, Cameroon
Rosalie Noah Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Garoua, Cameroon.
Leslie Jogo Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Garoua, Cameroon.
Ahmed Negida School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK.
Ignatius Esene Neurosurgery Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/fem.v6i2.8719

Keywords: Africa; Communication; Evidence-Based Practice; Medical Education; Medical Students; Physicians

Abstract

The involvement of medical students in scientific research has been advocated recently in medical education. With the voices calling for evidence-based practice, scientific research skills emerge as a critical factor in preparing future generations of physician-scientists. However, Africa is a developing continent with limited financial resources, economic problems, conflicts, and political instabilities that slow the developments in medical education. The involvement of medical students of Africa in scientific research has taken a new shape recently with the formulation of student interest groups, collaboration based on personal communications, and non-governmental research societies. The present review highlights the importance, challenges, and solutions to involve African medical students in scientific research.