Research society model: Implementation protocol for medical schools and national medical bodies.

Abstract

This article serves as a protocol for implementing a Research Society (RS) within a medical school or under a National Medical Body (NMB). The RS Model (based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle) aims to promote research by providing a student-led foundation for budding researchers, enabling collaboration, idea exchange, access to various types of research and innovation opportunities in medicine, and skill development in scientific and research methodology. The RS model in an NMB is designed to facilitate high-quality, closely supervised, and better-monitored research training for students through national-level academic, research, and regulatory bodies in medicine. This protocol provides two frameworks for an RS in a medical school: a stand-alone model and a Students' Union-embedded model. The first step in creating an RS is constituting an executive team responsible for organizing hands-on activities such as research methodology and manuscript writing workshops, and events that foster research skills and scholarly growth. Other steps include constituting an Advisory Council consisting of faculty enthusiastic-and-well-oriented in research (with publications in PubMed-indexed journals) for guidance on events, projects, and support in problem-solving and overcoming challenges. The next step includes conducting peer-based mentorship programs, journal club meetings, and facilitating research projects. This initiative is expected to significantly increase research output and enhance structured mentorship opportunities. We developed this RS model following educational-psychological and evidence-based learning theories like Near-Peer Mentorship, Self-Determination, and Cognitive Load Reduction. Our model provides a replicable, scalable, and sustainable framework to make research an integral and enjoyable part of medical training.