Acknowledging that research output from medical colleges in Tamil Nadu, particularly government colleges, was low, S. Geethalakshmi, Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, said steps were being taken to address this issue.
Inaugurating a workshop, ‘Scientific writing,’ organised by the university in association with Madurai Medical College here on Saturday, she said research work would not only help doctors in their career growth, but also address health issues. For instance, regarding prevalence of dengue and other fever cases in Tamil Nadu, doctors could have done research on causes for the outbreak and measures to control it.
Highlighting that steps were eing taken to increase research work in medical colleges, she said two subjects - Research Methodology and Scientific Writing - had been made mandatory for postgraduate students. Focus was also being given on research work, making them register their topic of study within six months of enrolment and putting measures in place to prevent plagiarism. She appealed to the faculty members of medical colleges and associated hospitals to spare some time every day amid their busy schedule for research.
Neurologist V. Nagarajan, who is also the Chairman of the Ethics Committee of Madurai Medical College, urged the need for translational research.
D. Maruthupandian, Dean, Government Rajaji Hospital; Sheela Mallika Rani, Medical Superintendent; V. Dhanalakshmi, Vice-Principal, MMC; M. Ramesh, Head, Department of Surgical Oncology, GRH; and M. Saleem, Department of Community Medicine, took part.
