PMSRS Newsletter VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
FEB 2012
Pakistan Medical Students’ Research Society
Our Aim... Pakistan Medical Students Research Society (PMSRS) is an organization set up by the students of Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan. that aims to comprehensively educate and inform medical students in the field of medical research and
Special points of interest: •Nationwide members •Research workshops for students. •Collaboration with global organizations.. •Working together with a strong advisory board. Inside this issue: Iniating Research
2
Introduction to SPSS
3
Workshop at JMDC
4
Words from PMSRS President
5
Joining hands with MAP
5
Manuscript Writing
5
Students’ Journal Club
6
PMSRS in ZU
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provides opportunities for better interaction amongst the students and medical personals. It provides a platform that encourages and supports research based learning amongst people related to the field of medicine and promotes better
research methodology by conducting events such as seminars and workshops along with various projects under its umbrella e.g. Student-Journal Club, Poster/Abstract Presentations etc.
What's going on at PMSRS Following are the updates from PMSRS: “Research Link, the Student Mentor Project” was started aiming to bridge the communication gap bringing students close to researcher. PMSRS started a unique Student Journal Club session currently introduced at Dow Medical College Karachi, Pakistan aiming to expand it to other universities in future, serving as a interactive platform to learn and share. A newsletter is released biannually aiming to update about the society’s current projects and achievements. A project named “Research Program assistance” has been organized helping students to develop Research Posters, Oral Presentations and assisting in poster printing cost. Another helpful program “Abstract Writing Assistance” has been included for members of this society helping them in en-
hancing the quality of their abstracts thus increasing chances of acceptance. Stable organizations like Essa Laboratories, SOCH, (Serve our civil hospital) PWA (Pakistan Welfare Association), 4th National Undergraduate Medical Research Fair PMC, National Academy of Young Scientists and NAM (National Academy of Microbiologists) are official partners with PMSRS. Pakistan Medical Students Research Society joined hands with Doctors and Medical Students Flood Relief Campaign (DSFRC) in order to help people from Flood affected areas. PMSRS has many international collaborations which includes the following: Sharing In Health (SiH), an emerging organization designed to address the shortage of primary health care provid-
ers in low-resource settings by increasing training capacity. HIFA2015 campaign launched in Mombasa, Kenya in October 2006, at the 10th Congress of the Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa aiming to provide access to every person worldwide to an informed healthcare provider. HIFA is a UK based organization and is supported by WHO. Advance Educational Institute and Research Centre (AEIRC), Karachi, Pakistan involved in Research promotion in Pakistan and conducting research projects related to clinical and basic sciences,. Medicalopedia is an online encyclopedia also partnering with PMSRS. All the press releases and bulletins are available from now via twitter by SMS to our followers, updating about PMSRS’ new events.
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PMSRS NEWSLETTER
Initiating a Medical Research The first workshop by Pakistan Medical Students’ Research Society was organized in Dow Medical College on 18th February, 2011. A total of 40 participants attended this workshop that was conducted by Dr. Masood Jawaid,, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Surgery, Dow International Medical College. He started off by shedding light on the steps in planning and conducting a research and how to design a study questionnaire. He then gave a web based demonstration on literature search along with highlighting the common mistakes committed during literature review. Keeping in view that the most participants were in the first two years of their medical schooling, Dr Masood Jawaid stressed on the different kinds of studies (e.g. Knowl-
edge Attitude and Practice, surveys, clinical audits, etc.) and their significance for the undergraduate students. Participant were engrossed all through the session as evident by their ardent interaction with Dr. Masood who earnestly satisfied all their queries regarding the common problems faced during research projects and the role of supervisors in studies. ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) guidelines for the authorship criteria were discussed with ornate details. The hands-on session for designing a questionnaire for Survey based Studies received an imposing response by the participants who keenly took part in the session. Later, each questionnaire was individually inspected and discussed. Chief Guest Mr. Akhtar Shaheen Rind, General Secretary, Association
of Health Journalists’ Pakistan and Special Guest Dr. Farhan Essa Abdullah, Assistant Prof. Pathology, Dow Medical College delivered their speeches lauding the efforts of PMSRS for promoting research practices amongst medical students. Shields were later presented to the Facilitators.
Students at ‘how to initiate a medical research’ workshop.
Elements of a Research Proposal The second PMSRS workshop held on the 26th of March, 2011 was a bashing success. Under the topic Basic Elements of a Research Proposal, it was conducted by Dr. Anwar Ali Siddiqui, Professor and Associate Dean of Research at the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Hosted by Tahseer Khan, the workshop started at 9 am sharp. Beginning with Tilawat-e-Quran, the session proceeded with a brief introduction of the aims and objectives of PMSRS and its aspiration to change the Pakistan medical research scenario in the coming years through workshops and seminars. Thereafter, Prof. Siddiqui began his presentations regarding the basic elements of research. Being an expert in his
field and part of the finest teaching staff at one of the leading medical universities of Pakistan, Prof. Siddiqui captivated the audience with his expertise and teaching skills. At first, the workshop focused on the need of research at the undergraduate level, its benefits and its significance in the medical profession. After establishing a firm base about research and its importance, Prof. Siddiqui expertly moved on to explain the basic elements of research such as selecting the topic, the literature review, Performa making etc. Finally, the workshop ended by a question answer session followed by hands-on practice of how to make a questionnaire and the technicalities associated with it. To sum it up, the second PMSRS workshop on the basic elements of
research was widely accepted and appreciated. It served the prime purpose of PMSRS, which is to generate awareness and help undergraduate medical students build firm basics regarding the esteemed field of research.
Dr. Anwar Ali Siddiqui giving precious guidelines to young medical students.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
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Introduction to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Statistical analysis is essential for any research process. Even the experienced doctors have to rely on statisticians for executing analysis for their researches. Thorough knowledge of SPSS is a skill that proves competency for any research electives. These days, mention of such skills makes a CV shine out among the rest. PMSRS as per its dogma to help the young researchers of Pakistan realized this growing demand. In this regard, the team organized SPSS workshop on 19th May, 2011 that was conducted by a renowned research faculty member of Aga Khan University Hospital. The speaker was remarkably successful in creating an interactive and learning ambiance for the participants. Every participant got an individual computer to practice on. The workshop was divided into subtheoretical and practice sessions.
During each practice session, the speaker and facilitators solved the queries of the participants and helped them perform satisfactorily. It was made sure that every participant got hold of sufficient time to perform analysis before proceeding to the next demonstration. With this impressive workshop, PMSRS yet again proved to be the ultimate platform for the young and thriving medical researchers across the country. SPSS is the most important software to evaluate and analyze the data collected during researches of various sorts. The aim of PMSRS is to equip medical students with all the knowledge and confidence required to conduct a standard research and to make the experience worthwhile. The third workshop organized discussed and taught the basic fundamentals of this software. Titled
Our facilitator Kashmira Nanji from AKU giving fundamental instructions regarding the use of SPSS in analyzing data.
students gaining valuable knowledge regarding SPSS from our facilitators. “Introduction to SPSS�, it was held on the 25th April, 2011. The facilitator of the workshop was Mr. Masood Hameed Rao, Senior Research Officer in Pakistan Medical Research Council, Pakistan. It was held at a Digital Library and students belonging to Dow Medical College and Institute of Medical Technicians attended the workshop. The participants displayed ardent interest in learning and comprehending the essentials of the research software. The session concluded with certificate distribution among the workshop participants to boost their interest. A shield was presented to Mr. Rao for his kind supervision. Refreshments concluded the event. Altogether, the event was a great success and the PMSRS team was applauded for its continuing efforts in setting a research trend among the medical youth.
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PMSRS NEWSLETTER
Explaining the significance of research at JMDC PMSRS organized a seminar “Significance of research” at Jinnah Medical and Dental College (JMDC) on Thursday, 21st July, 2011. The seminar was a remarkable event for PMSRS to establish its new chapter at JMDC. We invited Dr. Zainab Hasan Waqar , Head of the department of Community health science, JMDC , as a guest speaker. She highlighted the importance of research in medicine and gave an insight view of the contribution of Pakistan in this regard. She encouraged the audience to come forward and take part in research activities for the development and welfare of the society. Other faculty members also spoke to the audience to give them awareness about significance of research in today’s scientific age and applauded the initiative of Pakistan
Dr. Zainab Waqar conducting a session on significance of research at medical students’ research society. At the end of the seminar, Akhtar Amin Memon, the president of PMSRS gave a presentation about the vision of the society and its on-
going activities. At the moment PMSRS is working more efficiently in collaboration with JMDC to promote research among medical students.
Research Methodology The vision of Pakistan Medical Students’ Research Society is to develop a research culture among medical students and help them conduct their own researches during their early professional period. In this regard, PMSRS conducted a six days workshop on Research Methodology at Jinnah Medical and Dental College from 22nd - 27th Aug, 2011. The workshop was facilitated by doctors from Community Medicine, Aga Khan University, Dr. Shiraz Shaikh, Dr. Amin Pethani and Dr. Asma Rehman. The principal and senior faculties from JMDC were also invited. The objectives of the workshop were to give a clear idea on how to conduct a medical research and to develop research protocols. The workshop was interactive and activity based and every effort was made
to provide a learning environment lation, research ethics and questionfor the participants. On the first day, naire development. Each group deessentials of biomedical research veloped a questionnaire on their were discussed. The participants research study and presented their were divided into four groups and research protocols on the last day. told to generate ideas to carry out a The workshop was a thorough sucresearch study. Four ideas were selected and each group was assigned cess and ended with certificate distribution ceremony. one research idea to work upon. In subsequent days, a deep insight was given to the participants on literature search, building rational and objectives of the study, writing an introduction, different types of study design, sampling techniques, sample size calcu- Students attending ‘Research methodology’ workshop
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
President Akhtar Amin setting new goals to achieve It has been a year since PMSRS was initiated. This has been a journey of dedicated work, development of innovative ideas, and building up of a team that has made PMSRS one of the most successful student-based organizations in Pakistan. However, there is much more that we plan to do to achieve our goal of promoting research among medical students; and I believe it is going to be a long journey from now; but with the continuing endeavors and hardwork, we will definitely be achieving it in coming years. I want to thank all the team members from all of our chapters, the advisory board members, our partner organizations for believing in us, and becoming a part of our successful first year.
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Joining hands with MAP Microbiology Association of Pakistan (MAP) is a non- profit organization and is a brain child of young microbiologists who are dedicated and devoted where they can share and update the latest advancements and knowledge of microbiology. MAP2010 was founded by Sikander Sherwani, faculty member at Federal Urdu University (FUU), Pakistan. Pakistan Medical Students’ Research Society conducted a Seminar on 19th October, 2011 entitled " Concerns on post-disastrous impacts on the health of flood affectees" in collaboration with MAP. This seminar highlighted important aspects of this calamity and discussed the infectious diseases, psychiatric conditions and nutritional problems among the victims of flood. The required strategies that could be helpful to combat such situations were also discussed. Facilitators included Mr. Sikander Sherwani, Dept.
of Microbiology, Federal Urdu University of Arts Science and Technology, Dr. Iqbal Afridi, Dept. of Psychiatry, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, and Dr. Sukaina Shabbir, Dietitian, Kidney Centre, Karachi. The funds raised by this seminar were donated to relief campaigns. This seminar provided a forum for the students where they can come up with their ideas regarding the field of microbiology, hoping to get the right advice and consultancy.
— Akhtar Amin, President PMSRS.
Workshop on ‘Manuscript Writing’ ogy, PMSRS conducted yet another workshop on the highly suggested topic of manuscript writing.
Dr. Saba Sohail providing guidelines on manuscript writing. After consecutive workshops on different aspects of research methodol-
The workshop was held in the premises of Dow Medical College and facilitated by Dr. Saba Sohail, Professor, Department of Radiology, Dow University of Health Sciences and Civil Hospital, Karachi. Dr. Saba Sohail also serves as an Assistant Editor of Journal of College of Physicians and Surgeons (JCPSP), Pakistan. The workshop covered all the basic steps of writing and submitting a scientific paper for publication in a
high-impact journal. It also highlighted the common issues and pitfalls faced by authors in preparation of a manuscript. Basic instructions were provided by our facilitator on basic elements of synopsis to a full article writing. The informative and interactive session was attended by 32 students from different medical colleges of Karachi. The workshop received high appreciation from the participants and turned out to be another success for PMSRS. Certificates and shield were presented to the participants and facilitator.
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PMSRS NEWSLETTER
Readers are Leaders—Students’ Journal Club “Readers are the leaders”- with this vision; Students’ Journal Club was initiated for the first time ever at Dow Medical College under the umbrella of parent body Pakistan Medical Students’ Research Society. The main aim of this initiative was to flourish the culture of scientific paper reading habits among medical students. The first session series of Students’ Journal Club held during OctoberNovember 2011 on the theme of “Infectious Diseases” served as a platform for medical students to update their knowledge in an interactive way. The participants also learned about “critique on scientific papers”, “letter to the editor” and useful research tools like STROBE
(STrengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology) . The highlight of the whole series was the session “How to present your research in an international conference” conducted by students of Dow Medical College, who represented the university in reputed international conferences.
priately; increasing the chances of acceptance of their research work in reputed journals. Students’ Journal Club would not have been there where it is today due to the immense efforts of the team, encouragement from the participants and cooperation from the parent body Pakistan Medical Students’ Research Society.
The immense appreciation by the students motivated the team to hold yet another session series on the theme of “Endocrinology” in February-March 2012. This session series will provide students a complete “package”. It will enable them to conduct researches more approAn interactive session of Students’ Journal Club
PMSRS in Ziauddin University
Dr. Kamran Hameed at the first PMSRS workshop in ZU. The first open workshop of the Pakistan Medical Student Research Society(PMSRS) was held at the Abul Hassan Jaffrey Auditorium in the
Ziauddin University om the 17th of January 2012. This was held in collaboration with the KARA Health Foundation as part of their Continued Medical Experience. The audience besides medical studentsincluded some esteemed professors and doctor such as Mr N A Jaffrey , Dr Masood Rao Dr Bushra Ansari and the chief guest Dr Kamran Hameed , Dean of the Ziauddin Medical University. The conference was hosted by Fahd Hamid and the chief speaker was the highly experienced Dr Masood Rao. This conference proved to be a novel experience for many of those attending as the Dr Masood covered a wide range of aspects of medical research including proposal for research writing essentials of a research, prioritizing
problems in a research amongst others. This conference also served as an ideal opportunity to unveil PMSRS to the student body, many of those who had been looking for such a platform to launch their own researches or to connect with doctors who were already doing so.
Dr N A Jaffrey and Dr. Masood Rao at PMSRS workshop in ZU.
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PMSRS NEWSLETTER
PMSRS Summary of Events ciated about 40 member students as Research Assistants in 15 different projects. Besides, 22 members of PMSRS volunteered and learnt more about research under Dr. Zaman Shaikh, Diabetologist and Endocrinologist, Director of NIDE, Dow University, Pakistan.
Press Release: January, 18th, 2012, on the completion of 1 year by PMSRS. A Whitepaper detailing the summary of activities. Pakistan Medical Students’ Research Society completed a year today on 18th January 2012. We are thankful to everyone who played any role in its successful journey. PMSRS is proud to announce that we have 507 members till date, from 14 different institutions in Pakistan. We have a team of 7 executive board members, further a team of 18 dedicated students who are working on different programs. We have 32 Regional coordinators in 14
different institutions across the country. We have organized a total of 11 events in 1 year at 5 different institutions, with a total 559 participants attending and benefiting from those workshops. We have successfully managed to conduct a Students’ Journal Club based on 4 sessions at Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan during Oct -Nov 2011, with 30 participants. Our annual newsletter is almost on completion and will be published in the coming weeks, detailing our progress and details of successful projects and events.
We have developed partnerships with 11 organizations and 2 conferences, both national and international. We understand the importance of research and plan to take it forward in Pakistan. We hope that if we continue working with the same dedication, PMSRS will develop itself as a major contributor to the development of medical research in Pakistan. PMSRS emerges as the only medical student run research organization that has contributed a lot in the field across Pakistan. However, sky is the limit and we plan to expand our network and encourage students to do research in the coming years. -PMSRS Executive Board.
The Student Mentor Link has asso-
Become a member.. For becoming a member of PMSRS, Fill in the membership registration form available online at www.pmsrs.com. Send in the filled form to pmsrs.pk@gmail.com. Registration charges shall be paid to the selected Regional Coordinator from the respective medical colleges. A list of Regional Coordinators is available at the website. In case your medical college does not have a regional coordinator, you can apply for that post. We can have varying number of regional coordinators from a medical college depending on the strength of students. To become a part of any of our teams, send your CV/resume alongwith cov-
Pakistan Medical Students’ Research Society Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known...
Words of Appreciation
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Editorial Board: Project Executive PMSRS Newsletter: S. Ezz-e-Rukhshan Adil Chief Editor: Muhammad Yasin Bandukda Associate Editor: Komal Motwani Editorial Assistants: Ammara Mushtaq, Nava Asad, Komal Mallick, Anum Fatima
“It is heartening to see that PMSRS is playing a key role in initiating research activities among medical students of various medical institutions of repute in the country. In such a short span of a year, the achievements are remarkable. I wish them more success in future”. -Farhat Hussain Mirza, Associate Professor, Dept. of Forensic Medicine, Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan.
Message from Anis Rehman, Senior Vice President. “One Year ago, PMSRS seemed no more than a dream; however, it’s a reality today. The basic concept behind Pakistan Medical Students’ Research Society is to encourage students to do researches from the initial years of their medical schooling. We have achieved a lot in our first year with 10+ workshops, having 500+ attendance. However, sky is the limit and we plan to work even harder and do a lot more in the year 2012. PMSRS has made partners with many national and international organizations like Essa Labs, PWA, SOCH, SIH, HIFA, Medicalopedia and many other renowned names and now we have interna-
tional collaborations with INFORMER, INDIA. This will not only be helpful for the students of the two nations, but also help bring the two nations closer.. I personally, request all the students to join hands with PMSRS and help us bring a research revolution in Pakistan. I also request colleges and organizations both national and international to collaborate with PMSRS in order to achieve our goals. In the end, I would like to thank all those who believed in PMSRS and helped us in having a successful year.
Anis Rehman, Senior Vice President, PMSRS.