The influence of coordination of physical and psychological movements on music performance / La influencia de la coordinación de los movimientos físicos y psicológicos en la interpretación musical

This study aims to determine the effect of physical and psychological movement coordination on musical performance. This investigation also investigates the impact of mental tension on musical performance. This investigation has collected quantitative data on Likert scale 7-point questionnaire. This study's population consisted of trumpet players, and Smart PLS 3.0 was used to evaluate the measurement and structural models. This research has determined that the coordination of physical and psychological movements significantly affects musical performance. In addition, this study determined that when playing the trumpet, positive tension can make the performer concentrate and concentrate on performing, which is conducive to the play of the performance level and can also better interpret musical works. The research has demonstrated that in trumpet performance, the change of pitch, timbre, and intonation is primarily controlled by the coordination and cooperation of the physiological and psychological causes of stage tension in trumpet playing.(AU)

Does the 'Educational Alliance' conceptualize the student - supervisor relationship when conducting a master thesis in medicine? An interview study.

BACKGROUND: Completing a master thesis (MT) is mandatory in many undergraduate curricula in medicine but a specific educational framework to guide the supervisor-student relationship during the MT has not been published. This could be helpful to facilitate the MT process and to more effectively reach the learning objectives related to science education in medicine. An attractive model for this purpose is the 'Educational Alliance' (EA), which focusses on the three components 'clarity and agreement on (a) goals, (b) tasks and (c) relationship & roles'. This study investigated factors that can either facilitate or hinder the process of MTs, and related these to the components of the EA. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 20 students and - separately - with their 20 corresponding supervisors, after the MT had been accepted. The interviews included open questions on factors facilitating or hindering the success of the MT. Audio recordings of the interviews were anonymized and transcribed, and then analysed by qualitative content analysis. Also, quantitative data were gathered on satisfaction with the MT process and the supervisory quality (using Likert-type questions). RESULTS: We were able to analyse all 40 interviews, related to 20 MTs. From the transcripts, we extracted 469 comments related to the research question and categorized these into the four main categories (a) 'Preparation', (b) 'Process', (c) 'Atmosphere', (d) 'Value of the MT'. Interviewees highlighted the importance of a careful preparation phase, clear expectations, a clear research plan, thorough and timely feedback, mutual agreement on timelines, and a positive working atmosphere. Each of these factors could be brought in line with the three components of the EA framework: agreement and clarity of goals, tasks, relationships & roles. Satisfaction with the MT process was rated 8.75 ± 1.22 SD (of 10) points by supervisors, and 7.80 ± 1.61 SD points by students, while supervision quality was rated + 1.51 ± 0.63 SD (scale from - 2 to + 2) by supervisors, and + 1.26 ± 0.93 SD by students. CONCLUSION: We propose the EA framework as a useful guidance for students, supervisors, and the university towards conducting successful MTs in medicine. Based on the findings, we provide specific recommendations for students, supervisors, and university.

Students' Perspective on Scientific Training.

How should lab heads train their students and what is the role of degree-granting institutions in this process? Chua, Vandana, and Hsieh discuss the needs of graduate students and ways to cultivate purposeful, personalized mentee training in the lab.

Reimagining journal clubs for inclusive scientific training.

'Canonical' journal clubs, which rely on a presenter guiding a group through the figures of a scientific article, do not fully realize their training potential. We provide a blueprint and resources for effectively leveraging journal clubs to meet specific training objectives and to further equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging goals.

Scientific Fluency as the Greatest Strength of Chemical Biologists.

Chemical biology has developed into an influential discipline in biological research, largely thanks to synergistic relationships that have arisen from the inclusion of students from diverse scientific backgrounds. We believe the greatest strengths of our field rely on active communication between fields and the fluency of chemical biologists in traversing them. In this special issue, besides cutting-edge chemical biology research articles, we will also highlight nonscientific topics about scientific training and mentorship to foster the training of next-generation chemical biologists.

Increasing faculty support, respect, and ability to help doctoral students explore non-academic research career opportunities.

We examined the role of the NIH-funded Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) program at Wayne State University in increasing faculty (1) support for doctoral students exploring non-academic research opportunities, (2) respect for non-academic research, and (3) ability to help students with non-academic research career exploration. Ninety-seven faculty participated in one or more BEST activities over a five-year period. Fifty-three of those faculty (55%) completed an online survey about their participation in the program and their support, respect, and ability to help students explore non-academic research careers. Sixteen of these faculty were also interviewed in depth about their perspectives on the role professional development can play in enhancing faculty perspectives about non-academic research career options for their students. The survey and interview data reveal some changing perceptions of BEST faculty participants in their attitudes toward and respect for non-academic research careers, as well as in their ability to help students in career exploration. These faculty perceptions correlated with their level of participation in BEST activities. Importantly, this study also showed that some faculty believe they lack the experience and connections outside of academia to adequately support doctoral students' career exploration. The results of this NIH-funded BEST program on faculty attitudes underscore the influence of federally funded programs in changing institutional attitudes towards supporting student career choices that have broad societal impact.

University of Montreal's Clinician-Investigator Program: A 10-Year Descriptive Evaluation.

PURPOSE: Clinician-investigators have an important role in the development and implantation of new therapies and treatment modalities; however, there have been several reports highlighting a pending shortage in the clinician-investigators' workforce. In Canada, the Royal College has promoted the development of clinician-investigators programs (CIP) to facilitate the training of these individuals. There is currently a paucity of data regarding the outcomes of such programs. This study aims to identify the strengths and areas of improvement of the Montreal University CIP.  Methods: An internet-based 51-question survey was distributed to all the alumni from the University of Montreal CIP. Participation was voluntary and no incentives were provided. The response rate was 64%.  Results: Among respondents, 50% (n=16) had completed their clinical residency and all CIP requirements. The majority of these individuals (63%) had become independent investigators and had secured provincial and national funding. Satisfaction of the respondents was high regarding the overall program (85%), the research skills developed during the CIP (84%) and the financial support obtained during the program (72%). The satisfaction rate regarding career planning was lower (63%).  Conclusion: This survey demonstrates that, while indicators are favorable, some areas still require improvement. Several steps to improve the CIP have been identified; notably, the transition from the CIP to early independent career has been identified as critical in the development of clinician-investigators and steps have been taken to improve this progression.

A scientific methodology course for advanced medical students: an eight-year perspective.

Background: Exponential increases in the development of medical knowledge, the expansion of areas where medicine develops its activities, the emergence of new pathologies ( e.g., COVID-19), novel diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies, together with the appearance of multiple communication and information technologies, determined that the education of future physicians required targeted training in scientific methodology. Methods: The design and execution of a course in scientific methodology in the curriculum of Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay, is described. The course is carried out at an advanced stage of the medical studies for all the students, in which they develop a 10-month research project supervised by the medical school faculty. Students undergo all stages of a research endeavor: generation of hypothesis, elaboration of a research protocol, submission to the Research Ethics and Animal Welfare Committees, data recollection, analysis, interpretation and publication of the results. Results: The course is undertaken at the Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay, the main university of the country, with high numbers of students enrolled. The course involves the participation of 600 students and up to 300 professors per year, which implies a huge institutional effort Conclusions: The scientific methodology course resulted in one of the most important incorporations of the current 2008 curriculum. Local students, faculty and international evaluators have qualified this activity as an educational breakthrough, being a gratifying and productive experience. The course represented the first exposure of medical students to the research methodology, scientific literature and publication rules, and emphasized the dynamic nature of medical knowledge within modern medical education. Moreover, for some students it constituted the onset of academic research careers. An additional positive outcome was the reactivation of some faculty research projects, in a way that largely exceeded the boundaries of the course.

Una mirada crítica a los Trabajos de Terminación de la Especialidad en Medicina General Integral

RESUMEN Introducción: El trabajo de terminación de la especialidad representa un poderoso instrumento en el proceso de formación docente- investigativo de los futuros especialistas. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión crítica de los trabajos de terminación de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, de corte transversal, en el Policlínico Docente Ernesto Guevara del municipio de Niquero, provincia Granma. Fueron sometidas a revisión 37 tesis pertenecientes a estudiantes de la especialidad médica durante los años 2019 y 2020. Se emplearon métodos teóricos (histórico-lógico, análisis-síntesis, inductivo-deductivo) y empíricos (revisión documental). Los datos fueron expresados en frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes. Resultados: Constituyeron mayoría los temas relacionados con el Programa Materno-Infantil, el 35,14 %. Existió franco predominio de las investigaciones de intervención educativa en salud, el 62,16 %. Entre las deficiencias en los aspectos metodológicos se señalaron la poca profundidad en la discusión, la comparación con estudios desactualizados y la carencia de posición autoral en el 75,67 % de los informes. Entre los aspectos formales se evidenció un predominio de la vaguedad en la redacción/uso repetitivo de palabras en el 64,86 %. Discusión: Se revisaron los trabajos de terminación de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral del Policlínico Docente "Ernesto Guevara". En ellos se identificaron los temas investigados y los tipos de estudios más frecuentes, así como las principales dificultades en el orden metodológico y formal.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The completion works of the specialty represents a powerful instrument in the teaching-research training process of future specialists. Objective: To carry out a critical review of the completion works in the specialty of Comprehensive General Medicine specialty. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at the Ernesto Guevara Teaching Polyclinic in the municipality of Niquero, Granma province. 37 theses belonging to students of the medical specialty were submitted for review during the years 2019 and 2020.Theoretical and empirical methods were used. Data were expressed in absolute frequencies and percentages. Results: Topics related to the Maternal-Child Program constituted the majority, 35.14 %. There was a clear predominance of educational intervention research in health, 62.16 %. Among the deficiencies in the methodological aspects, the little depth in the discussion, the comparison with outdated studies and the lack of authorial position in 75.67 % of the reports were pointed out. Among the formal aspects, there is evidence of a predominance of vagueness in the writing/repetitive use of words in 64.86 %. Discussion: The topics investigated and the most frequent types of studies were identified, as well as the main methodological and formal insufficiencies, among which are difficulties in formulating the scientific problem and the scarcity of the epidemiological context; little depth in the discussion, the comparison with outdated studies and the lack of authorial position, in a total of 28 reports, which represents 75.67%.

The Yin and the Yang of Transformative Research During the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Perspective.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the necessity for scientists from diverse disciplines to collaboratively mitigate the singular calamity facing humanity this century. The ability of researchers to combine exponential advances in technology and scientific acumen has resulted in landmark discoveries in pediatric research and is surmounting the COVID-19 challenge. Several of these discoveries exist in a realm of research that is not classically "basic" or "clinical." Translational research characterizes this domain partially, but does not fully capture the integrated research approaches that have spurred these discoveries. Herein, we share our perspective on the common themes underpinning the basic and clinical research. We also highlight major differences in the scope, emphasis, approach, and limitations of basic and clinical research that impede multi-disciplinary approaches that facilitate truly transformative research. These differences in research thinking and methodology are ingrained during training wherein the limitations of the chosen discipline, and strengths of alternate disciplines are not adequately explored. Insular approaches are particularly limited in impacting complex diseases pathophysiology in the era of precision medicine. We propose that integration of -omics technologies, systems biology, adaptive clinical trial designs, humanized animal models, and precision pre-clinical model systems must be incorporated into research training of future scientists. Several initiatives from the NIH and other institutions are facilitating such broad-based "research without frontiers" training that paves the way for seamless, multi-disciplinary, research. Such efforts become "transformative" when scientific challenges are tackled in partnership with a willingness to share ideas, tackle challenges, and develop tools/models from the very beginning.

Construction of intelligent campus tennis players' body data monitoring and injury warning system based on data fusion / Construção de sistema inteligente de monitoramento de dados corporais e alerta de lesões para jogadores de tênis baseado na fusão de dados / Construcción de un sistema inteligente de monitoreo de datos físicos y alerta temprana de lesiones para jugadores de tenis del campus basado en la fusión de datos

ABSTRACT As far as competitive sports are concerned, scientifically organizing the training process and strictly following the training rules are the only way to success. Tennis is the foundation of all sports. It develops physical and motor skills in a comprehensive and effective manner. Biomechanical diagnosis is mainly carried out on the basis of force-time curve recording of different movement modes, and the generated data is processed by computer through a special measuring device. The main purpose of this study is to use data fusion technology to analyze and evaluate the injury factors involved in various sports. Based on this, a dynamic chain model for early warning of sports injury risk factors is established, which can provide a reference for athletes to avoid and reduce the risk of injuries and ensure normal training and competition. In tennis training, scientific training monitoring is applied to diagnose and monitor athletes' physical function and psychological state. Conduct humanized and scientific management of the training process.

RESUMO No que se refere aos esportes competitivos, a organização científica do processo de treinamento e o cumprimento estrito das regras de treinamento são a única forma de êxito. O tênis é a base de todos os esportes. O tênis desenvolve competências físicas e motoras de uma forma abrangente e eficaz. O diagnóstico biomecânico é realizado principalmente com base na gravação da curva força-tempo de diferentes modos de movimento, e os dados gerados são processados pelo computador através de um dispositivo de medição especial. O objetivo principal deste estudo é usar a tecnologia de fusão de dados para analisar e avaliar vários fatores de lesão esportiva. Com base nisso, estabelece-se um modelo dinâmico de cadeia para o alerta precoce de fatores de risco de lesão esportiva, podendo fornecer uma referência para que os atletas evitem e reduzam o risco de lesão e garantam a normalidade dos treinos e das competições. No treinamento de tênis, aplica-se o monitoramento de treinamento científico para diagnosticar e monitorar a função física dos atletas e seu estado psicológico. Conduzir a gestão humanizada e científica do processo de treinamento.

RESUMEN En lo que se refiere a los deportes competitivos, la organización científica del proceso de entrenamiento y el cumplimiento estricto de las reglas de entrenamiento son la única forma de éxito. El tenis es la base de todos los deportes. El tenis desarrolla competencias físicas y motoras de una forma abarcadora y eficaz. El diagnóstico biomecánico es realizado principalmente basándose en la grabación de la curva fuerza-tiempo de diferentes modos de movimiento, y los datos generados son procesados por la computadora por medio de un dispositivo de medición especial. El objetivo principal de este estudio es usar la tecnología de fusión de datos para analizar y evaluar varios factores de lesión deportiva. Sobre esa base, se establece un modelo dinámico de cadena para la alerta precoz de factores de riesgo de lesión deportiva, pudiendo proveer una referencia para que los atletas eviten y reduzcan el riesgo de lesión y garanticen la normalidad de los entrenamientos y de las competencias. En el entrenamiento de tenis, se aplica el monitoreo de entrenamiento científico para diagnosticar y monitorear la función física de los atletas y su estado psicológico. Conducir la gestión humanizada y científica del proceso de entrenamiento.

Valoración de las estudiantes emiratíes del uso de Blackboard como herramienta para la formación científica en Psicología / Emirati students' valuing of the use of Blackboard as a tool for scientific training in Psychology

Resumen Este estudio examina las valoraciones que tienen las estudiantes de Psicología de la Universidad de los Emiratos Árabes Unidos (UAEU) sobre el uso de Blackboard™ como herramienta para la formación científica profesional. Según los resultados de una encuesta aplicada a las estudiantes, tanto de pregrado como de posgrado, se identificaron algunas de las experiencias que afectan la adquisición de conocimientos y el desarrollo de habilidades científicas cuando se usa un Sistema de Gestión del Aprendizaje (SGA). El análisis cualitativo de las respuestas se abordó teniendo en cuenta las directrices de la teoría fundamentada. Las afirmaciones resultantes en la encuesta se clasificaron en tres dominios: el primero cubrió las experiencias previas (emocionales y cognitivas) de las estudiantes en el uso de Blackboard; el segundo comprendió las creencias de las estudiantes en el uso de Blackboard como herramienta para la gestión de aprendizaje, y el tercer dominio refirió las expectativas en el uso de Blackboard como herramienta para el entrenamiento en investigación. Los resultados del análisis indican que con Blackboard se desarrollan actitudes positivas para el aprendizaje en Psicología, pero que tales experiencias no les permiten inferir si Blackboard les servirá en su trabajo profesional desde una perspectiva científica. Las estudiantes consideran que Blackboard es muy eficaz para el aprendizaje de teorías y muy útil para compartir información, pero menos eficiente en el aprendizaje de métodos para investigar, interpretar y redactar informes. En general, Blackboard fue mejor valorado en aspectos administrativos que como herramienta para la formación académica, y mucho menos para el desarrollo de la investigación científica.

Abstract This study examines the appraisals of Psychology students at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in the use of Blackboard™, as a tool for professional scientific education. The objective of the research was to investigate the assessment that Psychology students have regarding the use of the Learning Management System, as well as to investigate their expectations about training, learning and the ease in transmitting and creating knowledge when they use Blackboard. Based on the results of a survey applied to both undergraduate and graduate students, some of the experiences that affect the acquisition of knowledge and the development of scientific skills when using a Learning Management Systems were identified. The survey focused on three areas: the self-assessment of the students of Psychology of the UAEU in the use of Blackboard in relation to their emotions, as well as the use of Blackboard to transmit and create knowledge, and finally, their general evaluations and attitudes about of research activities in a Learning Management System. The qualitative analysis of the answers was addressed taking in account the guidelines of the "grounded theory". The resulting statements in the survey were classified into three domains. The first one covered the previous experiences (emotional and cognitive), of the students in the use of Blackboard, the second one included the beliefs of the students in the use of Blackboard as a tool for learning management, and the third domain referred to expectations in the use of Blackboard as a tool for research training. The results of the analysis indicate that the use of Blackboard develops positive attitudes for learning in Psychology, but they also indicate that such experiences do not allow students to infer whether Blackboard serves them in their professional work from a scientific perspective. The results indicate a general convergence of the students' evaluations in most of the items, both in introductory and advanced undergraduate courses, as well as for postgraduate courses. The students' narratives of their learning experiences reflected some of the key themes of using Blackboard. The relationship between technology and learning is highlighted in the sentences of the students in a positive way, since most think that Blackboard is useful for learning, but they cannot perceive whether Blackboard serves to create knowledge or to develop research. The generally positive rating that the students gave to using Blackboard confirms initial assumptions about the use of the system in learning, which underscores the positive attitude of the students to work in a Learning Management Systems environment. However, feedback from graduate students indicates that learning can enhance with the use of a Learning Management Systems. Students consider that Blackboard is very effective for learning theories, and very useful for sharing information, but less efficient in leaning methods to investigate, interpret and write reports. In general, Blackboard was better valued in administrative aspects than as a tool for academic training, and even less so for the development of scientific research. As a general conclusion, students tend to consider Blackboard to be a tool that facilitates administrative processes, but they have not "discovered" the possible advantages that Learning Management Systems could have as a support to research.

Caracterización preliminar de los protocolos de investigación de residentes de Ciencias Médicas / Preliminary characterization of research protocols of residents in Medical Sciences

Introducción: El conocimiento científico se caracteriza por ser racional, sistemático y verificable, lo que requiere una correcta estructura del protocolo de investigación. La finalidad de un protocolo es la correcta planificación y ejecución del estudio mediante la organización del trabajo de forma lógica, enfocada y eficiente. Objetivo: Describir los protocolos de tesis de los residentes de ciencias médicas. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva de corte retrospectivo para la caracterización de 61 protocolos de tesis de los estudiantes de las disciplinas de Medicina general integral y Estomatología general integral del curso 2019-2020. Se confeccionó una planilla para la recolección de los datos extraídos de los protocolos revisados y se elaboró una base de datos para su almacenamiento. Resultados: Del total de protocolos revisados, 36 (59 por ciento) fueron de Medicina general integral y 25 (41 por ciento) de Estomatología general integral. El 90 por ciento de los protocolos de Medicina general integral son estudios observacionales, de estos el 97 por ciento estudios transversales, y de ellos casi el 90 por ciento estudios descriptivos. Los protocolos de Estomatología general integral presentaron resultados similares: el 96 por ciento son estudios observacionales, de estos 92 por ciento transversales y de ellos el 95 por ciento de tipo descriptivo. Acápites tan importantes como la operacionalización de las variables, la descripción de los métodos para la recolección de datos y las consideraciones éticas para el trabajo con humanos se consideran en menos del 25 por ciento de todos los protocolos revisados. Conclusiones: Se demuestra una marcada insuficiencia en la redacción de los protocolos de investigación por parte de los residentes de Medicina general integral y Estomatología general integral(AU)

Introduction: Scientific knowledge is characterized by being rational, systematic and verifiable, for this an adequate initial planning of the research work is required, which is achieved through the correct structure of the research protocol. The planning of a protocol is the correct planning and execution of the study by organizing the work in a logical, focused and efficient way. Objective: To characterize the thesis protocols of the students of the disciplines of comprehensive general medicine and comprehensive general stomatology of the 2019-2020 academic year. Methods: A retrospective descriptive investigation was carried out for the characterization of 61 thesis protocols of the students of the integral general medicine and integral general stomatology disciplines of the 2019-2020 academic year. A spreadsheet was prepared to collect the data extracted from the revised protocols and a database was prepared for storage. Results: Of the total protocols reviewed: 36 (59 percent) from integral general medicine and 25 (41 percent) from integral general stomatology. 90 percent of integral general medicine protocols are observational studies, of these 97 percent cross-sectional studies, and of them almost 90 percent descriptive studies. Regarding the integral general stomatology protocols, the results are similar: 96% are observational studies, of these 92 percent are cross-sectional and 95 percent of them are descriptive. In all, sections as important as the operationalization of the variables, the description of the methods for data collection, and the ethical considerations for working with humans are considered in less than 25 percent of all the protocols reviewed. Conclusions: A marked insufficiency in the writing of the research protocols by the residents of integral general medicine and integral general stomatology is demonstrated(AU)

The effects of long-term extracurricular scientific research on the medical students: Insight from Jinan University Medical School.

The benefits and long-term effects of extracurricular scientific research on undergraduate students in many countries have been intensively investigated, but it remains obscure for Chinese medical students. In this study, we investigated the outcome of 60 medical students who have participated in extracurricular scientific research at Jinan University Medical School over a period of 7 years (2011-2018). The results revealed that these students have contributed to 31 biomedical science articles in reputable academic journals, as first- or co-authors. Furthermore, they also independently procured various funding based on their research achievements, and smaller awards for achievements in conferences and competitions. Assessment of the grade point average score of these students revealed that conducting extracurricular scientific research did not affect their routine medical study and exam grades (P>0.05). The students benefited from participating in extracurricular research, by acquiring the ability to think scientifically and enhancing their communication skills. In addition, the medical students were motivated to enlist for postgraduate studies so that they could further embark in scientific research. In sum, Chinese medical students are capable of participating in scientific research and make a significant contribution to science.

La COVID-19 y la formación científica de los estudiantes de medicina / COVID-19 and medical students' scientific training

La enseñanza de pregrado en Medicina en Cuba se rige actualmente por el plan de estudios E, en el cual se define la función investigativa en el proceso de enseñanza; sin embargo, la investigación clínica no se ha logrado posicionar en el lugar que le corresponde. La escasa producción científica de los profesionales médicos es el resultado de una deficiencia en la formación científica de los mismos durante el proceso de enseñanza de pregrado, cuyas consecuencias se observan durante su desenvolvimiento profesional. La formación médica de pregrado es el momento idóneo para crear los cimientos del pensamiento científico. La formación de los estudiantes de medicina no puede ser óptima cuando es conducida por rutas pasivas de imitación. Es necesario aprender a convertir las experiencias en conocimiento, y la actual pandemia COVID-19 puede ser un elemento motivador en este sentido. Para analizar las causas de la escasa producción científica de los profesionales médicos hay que revisar con detalle las deficiencias que existen en la formación científica de nuestros estudiantes de pregrado. Esta pandemia nos ha demostrado que a los estudiantes se les puede motivar a investigar. Hay que aprovechar estos momentos para hacer modificaciones en el plan de estudios, que incluyan dedicarle un mayor tiempo a la enseñanza de las herramientas investigativas y vinculación a grupos de investigación donde desarrollen un pensamiento científico

Undergraduate medical studies in Cuba are currently governed by Curriculum E, which provides a definition of the role of research training in the learning process. However, clinical research has not managed to occupy the place it deserves. The scant scientific production of medical professionals stems from their poor undergraduate scientific training, whose consequences are visible in their professional performance. Undergraduate medical training is the ideal moment to lay the foundations for scientific thinking. Medical training will never be optimal if it is based on passive imitation. It is necessary to learn to transform experiences into knowledge, and the current COVID-19 pandemic may be a motivating factor in this respect. To analyze the reasons for the scant scientific production of medical professionals, detailed examination should be made of the deficiencies found in the scientific training of undergraduate students. The pandemic has shown that students may be motivated to do research. Occasions such as this should be used to make changes in the curriculum, allotting more time to the teaching of research tools and providing better links with research teams where scientific thinking may be developed.

Upper GI training of young surgeons: a reality full of hurdles. An international survey.

OBJECTIVE: Anecdotal evidence suggests that the training of young surgeons in Upper GI is not homogeneous across the world. This survey aimed to investigate the different training programs and the level of satisfaction of young surgeons with their surgical and scientific education pathway. DESIGN: A multiple-choice and single best answer format questionnaire was sent to 36 Upper GI chairs from international referral centres and then forwarded to young surgeons (attending physician less than 40 years old). The same questionnaire containing 5 main topics (demographics, residency, fellowship, academic research and activities, manual skill improvement) was posted online on a Surveymonkey website. SETTING: San Luigi University Hospital, Orbassano (Turin), Italy; Tertiary University Hospital. RESULTS: Fourteen replies were received from colleagues in 36 referral centres (39% response rate) and 65 voluntary answers from the survey monkey platform. During residency training, only 43% of residents had a specific training in upper GI tract surgery, which was characterized by a small number of interventions performed both with trainer scrubbed and unscrubbed. Fellowship programmes were undertaken by 49% of participants and 64% spent this training period abroad. Operative experience was reported by nearly all respondents with only 27% performing > 10 gastrectomies and only 11% performing > 10 oesophagectomies with the trainer scrubbed. The majority attended less than 10 meetings (58%), and 70% of them published less than 5 papers. CONCLUSIONS: The present survey reveals that the young surgeons of the twenty-first century face many hurdles during their surgical training. Overall, the surgical education settings are limited for both practical and scientific training for upper GI trainees. As a result, it is not possible to train in upper GI surgery to a level of competent independent practice.

La formación científico-investigativa: proceso indispensable para el desarrollo de los ensayos clínicos en una institución de salud / The scientific-investigative training:indispensable process for the development of the clinical assays in a health institution

En Cuba, los investigadores clínicos como profesionales de las ciencias médicas, ejecutan las investigaciones científicas relacionadas con los procesos salud-enfermedad. De ahí que resulta necesario determinar la verdadera dimensión que alcanza la formación científico - investigativa de dichos profesionales. A tales efectos, se realizó el presente estudio en el cual se exponen algunas ideas en torno a un proceso imprescindible en los momentos actuales de desarrollo de la investigación clínica, donde la sistematización formativa constituye el elemento fundamental de la formación de estos profesionales.

In Cuba, the clinical researchers as professionals of the medical sciences, carry out the scientific investigations related to the health-disease processes. So that, it is necessary to determine the true dimension that reaches the scientist - investigative training of these professionals. To fulfil this objective, the present study was carried out in which some ideas are exposed regarding an indispensable process in the current moments of the clinical investigation development, where the formative systematization constitutes the fundamental element in training these professionals.

Antecedentes en la formación del investigador en ciencias médicas y la evolución de los ensayos clínicos en Cuba / Historical background in the investigator's training on medical sciences and the development of the clinical trials in Cuba

Desde sus inicios, en Cuba se le ha otorgado gran importancia a los ensayos clínicos. El gobierno ha dedicado innumerables recursos para el desarrollo de la industria biofarmacéutica y la obtención de nuevos productos farmacológicos empleados para tratar disímiles enfermedades. Debido a la relevancia científica y la ética que poseen estos ensayos clínicos, resulta necesario que sean conducidos por profesionales con una calificación científica apropiada. Ante tal situación, ha sido necesario formar a dichos profesionales desde los puntos de vista científico e investigativo. Por ello, en este artículo se exponen elementos relacionados con los antecedentes históricos de esa formación y su dinámica como un primer acercamiento al tema tratado.

Since their beginnings, great importance has been granted to the clinical trials in Cuba. The government has dedicated countless resources for the development of biopharmaceutical industry and the elaboration of new pharmacological products for treating different illnesses. Due to the scientific relevance and the ethics of these clinical trials, it is necessary that are conducted by professionals with an appropriate scientific qualification. In such a situation, it has been necessary to train these professionals from the scientific and investigative points of view. That is why, elements related with the historical background of that training and its dynamics are exposed in this work, as a first approach to the treated topic.

The importance of scientific competencies in German medical curricula - the student perspective.

BACKGROUND: Scientific competencies are of great importance for physicians; not only for conducting reliable research, but also for patient care. However, there is growing concern that a lack of scientific competencies among physicians may lead to a deterioration in the quality on biomedical research. This study aims at assessing medical students' perspectives on the implementation of scientific competency training in German medical curricula. METHODS: An online survey was conducted in order to collect German medical students' opinions on the importance of acquiring scientific competencies during their medical studies and to provide us with an assessment of their current levels of basic scientific competencies by having them conduct a self-evaluation. Moreover, we wanted to understand their perceptions of current curricular content and to receive suggestions for improving scientific competency training. Participants were reached via the mailing lists of the German Medical Students' Association, as well as of local medical student committees, and the German Medical Students' Associations social media channel on Facebook. RESULTS: In total, 2380 medical students from across all 37 German medical faculties participated in the survey. The majority of students agreed that the ability to critically evaluate the relevant literature is an important competency for physicians, and that every student should conduct a research project during their medical studies. However, the students evaluated their scientific competencies as unsatisfactory, especially with regard to statistics and scientific writing. They were strongly in favor of receiving extended research training. CONCLUSION: Our study provides insight into German medical students' self-perception in relation to both patient care and biomedical research, and makes recommendations for potential improvements in scientific training. The study demonstrates that scientific competencies are of great importance to medical students in Germany. Students are not lacking motivation for scientific practice and have numerous ideas for enhancing scientific teaching opportunities. Scientific training should follow a holistic approach based on three pillars: (i) a scientific core curriculum, (ii) intracurricular research projects, and (iii) special research programs for students strongly interested in medical research.