The correlates of research success.

Abstract

during the first two years' observation; likewise, 82% of those existing scars that progressed had done so by the two year assessment. Probably these observations at the two year assessment are a radiological expression of fibrous contraction that has resulted from a scarring process initiated before entry into the study. The observation of new scar formation in sequential intravenous urograms is exceedingly uncommon compared with the finding of existing scarring at first investigation. Smellie et al, in a retrospective study of data obtained from 23 paediatric departments over 22 years, documented only 87 new scars in children aged 3 months to 9 years.8 The lack of new scars in children less than 2 years old, coupled with the high prevalence:of scarring at entry to our study, has led us to believe that the evolution of a radiologically visible scar may be so rapid in infancy that the opportunity to observe it in sequential intravenous urograms is usually missed,The persistence of reflux in more than half of the patients treated medically for five years is at first disappointing; it was significantly more likely to happen when reflux was bilateral. Nevertheless, it did not influence renal growth or scar formation. Although recruitment to this trial has now been stopped, we intend that the patients already under study should, as far as possible, be followed up indefinitely so that the effects of reflux that persists into adulthood can be evaluated.Our results have failed to show superiority for either form of treatment. The choice of treatment therefore remains a value judgment governed by such local factors as parental preference, the availability of surgical skill and facilities for promptly detecting breakthrough urinary infection, and willingness to comply with prolonged chemoprophylaxis. Certainly surgery reliably abolishes reflux, but whether reflux in itself is important in the long term is unknown. Clearly neither treatment is capable of completely protecting the kidneys from progression of scarring or even, on occasion, the formation of a new scar. Indeed the high prevalence of parenchymal damage already present at entry to the study serves to emphasise the need for more prompt and vigorous treatment and investigation of the first infection, which probably initiates the scarring process.9, The more favourable renal growth pattern exhibited by children of 5 years and under implies that this is the age group most likely to benefit from such attention.We thank the many general practitioners and consultant paediatricians who referred patients and continued to support this study. We also thank Dr Roy Astley, a former member of the group, for his help. The figures were kindly prepared by the medical illustration department, and the manuscript was typed by Mrs Fenella Ryan. References

Impact of an intercalated BSc on medical student performance and careers: A BEME systematic review: BEME Guide No. 28

“…We know that those who have already pursued UK and international academic careers are more likely to have iBScs (Wakeford et al 1985;Evered et al 1987;Seltzer 1987). A methodological difficulty was highlighted by authors in ascertaining a causal relationship between undertaking an iBSc and success in academic careers (Holgate et al 1999;McManus 2011).…”

A mandatory intercalated degree programme: Revitalising and enhancing academic and evidence-based medicine

“…There is some evidence that intercalating students are more likely to enter academic and research careers (Evered et al 1987;Nguyen-Van-Tan et al 2001) and that the type of department in which students undertake their research influences their subsequent choice of specialty (Nguyen- Van-Tan 2001). This is similar to the influential role played by a student's personal experience of a subject and of a supportive mentor during a clinical attachment on their ultimate career choice (Goldacre et al 2004).…”

“…Introducing future clinicians to biomedical research whilst they are still medical students is considered one way for them to learn about the importance of research and research methodology, whilst at the same time hopefully generating the interest of some in future academic careers (Evered et al 1987;Faxton 2002). This opportunity can be provided by intercalating an additional degree within a primary medical degree programme where the focus is on learning about research methodology and the completion of a research project (Evered et al 1987).…”

“…This opportunity can be provided by intercalating an additional degree within a primary medical degree programme where the focus is on learning about research methodology and the completion of a research project (Evered et al 1987).…”

Evaluation of a pharmacology educational activity based on a research project: a randomized, controlled and blind analysis of medical students’ perceptions

“…This activity seems to have a positive impact on students since they seem to be more motivated to pursue further scientific research and to develop an investigative approach to medical problems (Evered et al, 1987;Tollan & Magnus, 1993;Jacobs & Cross, 1995;Harrison, 1997;Summers et al, 1998;McManus et al, 1999;Remes et al, 2000) if compared with students who experience traditional lecture-based models of teaching (Kaufman & Mann, 1997).…”