Undergraduate research: an innovative student-centered committee from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Concern has been expressed in recent times whether medical schools have adapted sufficiently to cater for the increasing demand of physician-scientists. Studies have shown that research involvement at the undergraduate level is vital to accommodate this growing need. Enhanced communication skills, improved problem-solving abilities and better future employment opportunities are among the other many benefits of undergraduate research (UR). Herein, we report projects run by a unique student driven undergraduate research committee (URC) at Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia aimed at providing the future generation of physicians training opportunities for pursuing a research intensive career. METHODS: The article describes the unique structure of the URC and provides an in-depth description of the various programs and activities used in promoting students' research activities. We analyzed students' perception of URC activities via a questionnaire and analyzed research-output of the first graduating batches through their publication record. RESULTS: Overall, more than 60% of the graduating students were involved in the various research programs offered by the URC and around 50% published in peer-reviewed journals with an average impact factor of 2.4. CONCLUSIONS: Research involvement by medical students is an essential need of the twenty-first century and models like URC could provide crucial platform for research training to the new generation of physician-scientists.

Sciatic Nerve Injury Secondary to a Gluteal Compartment Syndrome.

Gluteal compartment syndrome (GCS) is extremely rare, with a low index of suspicion among physicians, hence, it is highly overlooked. The underdiagnosis can lead to irreversible tissue ischemia and severe neurological deficits. GCS is a surgical emergency and requires immediate surgical intervention given its high morbidity and mortality. Based on the limited available literature, multiple etiologies have been postulated including traumatic and nontraumatic causes. This article presents a complex and unusual case of GCS after prolonged immobilization in an IV drug abuser who was subjected to initial missed diagnosis.

Effective Management of Femur Fracture Using Damage Control Orthopedics Following Fat Embolism Syndrome.

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare event following a traumatic injury, and its pathophysiologic mechanism continues to be elusive. Fat embolism syndrome generally occurs when a bone marrow fat enters the bloodstream resulting in a cascade of inflammatory response, hyper-coagulation, and an array of symptoms that generally begin within 24-48 hours. FES early symptoms include petechial rash, shortness of breath, altered mental status, seizures, fever, and may result in decreased urine output. The common etiologies of a fat embolism include long bone fractures, mainly femoral and pelvic fractures.  There are multiple management methods described in the literature to help prevent FES and other long bone fracture complications from occurring. Although not universally adopted, the damage control orthopedics (DCO) has been the major management option for patients with a long bone fracture. DCO is entertained by provisional immobilization of patients with long bone fractures and those who are considered severely traumatized patients (STP). Thus, immobilization can help minimize the traumatic effect and the subsequent second hit by performing non-life saving surgical procedures. In this case, a patient with a transverse femur fracture suffered disconcerting symptoms of fat embolism prior to definitive femur repair. Hence, damage control orthopedics was entertained with a postponement of his femur repair to facilitate stabilization. The use of damage control orthopedics was successful in this patient with no long term complications.