Raising health care standards
WHILE in most developed countries research is an important component of being a medical or an allied health practitioner, in most developing countries, including Malaysia, it is at a budding stage.
Engagement in research has many benefits. Researchers become more knowledgeable and even authorities in the subject they research.
Research helps the investigator become disciplined, have an open mind and be inquisitive.
Research activities promote greater job satisfaction and are often associated with enhanced peer recognition and job promotion in most countries, including Malaysia.
“Health research requires the researcher to be equipped with the knowledge of research methodology and biostatistics to draw conclusions from the investigations, but only a few researchers have formal training in research methods,” said Penang Medical College ( PMC) Department of Public Health head, Postgraduate Affairs and International Relations deputy dean and RCSI Health Research Programme director, Prof Dr Abdul Rashid Khan Jagar Din.
The cohort of students from the Master of Science in Health Research at PMC, in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland ( RCSI), say the programme allows them to gain relevant knowledge and skills in a brimming area of research with possibilities to advance the quality of health care systems and services.
“There is competition among hospitals to improve health care, medical and clinical services, but the knowledge and ability to churn data into research for comprehension and action is required.
“The programme encourages students interested in research with a gradual increase in know- ledge as they pursue a researchbased career within their own expertise,” said a student, Dr Selvanaayagam Shanmuganathan.
“With this programme, we have gained a clearer vision of where and how we would like to contribute to research to bring change.
“It is also enhances my job prospects in clinical research as I can now aim to develop clinical trials” said another student, Dr Arvinder Singh.
“The two- year postgraduate degree is aimed at medical and allied health and social science graduates with interest in research or graduates looking to pursue or switch to a career in research.
“As the course is designed to facilitate students working fulltime, weekend classes provides flexibility for students to plan their travel from places even as far away as Sabah,” said Prof Rashid.
The MSc in Health Research at PMC is a globally recognised programme with approval from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency ( MQA) and Education Ministry ( MOE).
Students graduating with an MSc in Health Research are awarded an internationally recognised qualification of the RCSI and National University of Ireland ( NUI).
Many PMC educated doctors today hold senior positions in countries as diverse as Ireland, Australia, the US, Brunei, New Zealand, the UK and Malaysia.
To find out more, contact PMC via e- mail ( enquiry@ pmc. edu. my) or its website ( www. pmc. edu. my).