You’re a healthcare professional who wants to become a researcher. How can you make it happen?

Before diving into research, it’s crucial to pinpoint what specific areas of healthcare intrigue you the most. Are you fascinated by clinical trials, epidemiology, public health interventions, or perhaps medical technology? Once you identify your interests, you can tailor your research journey accordingly. For instance, if you’re passionate about studying the effectiveness of new medical treatments, you might focus on clinical research.

I agree with all that have been outlined and covered by colleagues in the previous sections. I only want to emphasise that each step in doing research needs specific type of skills : - Assessing needs & interests needs skills. - Formulating a research hypothesis needs skills - Developing research objectives needs skills - Developing or even utilising a research tool needs skills - Observing behaviours as a part of data collection; needs skills - Selecting or adopting a specific research methodology needs skills - criticising tools or methodologies needs skills - writing up requires skills - Analysing and Discussing results requires skills - Prioritising academic references needs skills - Dissemination of your research results

Research requires a unique set of skills beyond clinical expertise. Consider honing your abilities in critical thinking, data analysis, literature review, and academic writing. This might involve taking courses or workshops related to research methodology, statistics, and scientific writing. As an example, I enrolled in a research methods course where I learned how to design studies and analyze data, which significantly boosted my research capabilities.

Networking plays a vital role in the research world. Connect with fellow researchers, attend conferences, join professional organizations, and engage in discussions on relevant online platforms. Building a strong network not only provides support and mentorship but also opens doors to collaboration and funding opportunities. I remember attending a healthcare research conference where I met experts in my field and established valuable connections that led to collaborative projects.

Finally, don’t forget to showcase your research endeavors. Publish your findings in reputable journals, present at conferences, participate in poster sessions, and maintain an updated online portfolio or CV. Sharing your work not only contributes to the scientific community but also enhances your visibility and credibility as a researcher. For example, I published a research paper on the impact of telemedicine in rural healthcare settings, which gained recognition and paved the way for further research opportunities.