Twelve Tips on Pursuing a Master of Science Degree for Malaysian Medical Graduates and Their Supervisors

Abstract

In Malaysia, prolonged unemployment following graduation has resulted in a growing interest among medical graduates in pursuing postgraduate research. This article offers educational resources in the form of 12 tips for medical graduates who plan to pursue a postgraduate science degree and their supervisors. It emphasises the reciprocal mentor–mentee relationship in the academic pursuit of a research project. This article is based on the author's personal experience of enrolment in a Master of Science (MSc) degree immediately upon completing the Doctor of Medicine programme combined with relevant educational theories. The 12 tips are arranged according to study progression from enrolment decision to the implementation of the research project. The author addresses the frequently asked questions of medical graduates. A learner-centred approach to research supervision is advocated. The educational challenges faced by research supervisors are discussed and approaches presented that may inform teaching efficacy to promote the agency of research supervisors. Pursuing a postgraduate research degree is a growing trend among new medical graduates in Malaysia. This article collates available literature and the author’s critical reflection to provide a practical framework that caters to the lack of formal educational resources specific to medical graduates in the MSc programme.