Research in the Medicine undergraduate program: an educational university experience

Abstract

Introduction: In our country there is a figure called hotbed of research as a tool to encourage the comprehensive training of students, which aims to promote new talent in investigative areas that allow the generation of new knowledge. Additionally, the Administrative Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (Colciencias) and Colombian universities have created multiple strategies to enhance research skills in their students. Objective: To reflect on the importance of research in undergraduate programs by using the hotbed of research teaching strategy in health areas. Reflection: This strategy allows improving students' training and making it more competitive at national and international level. However, these efforts are not enough because it lacks sufficient financial resources, flexible curricula and teachers trained in research; all these factors, along with deficient student interest, transform the task into a difficult goal to achieve. Conclusion: Hotbeds of research educate people in collaborative work, and also develop skills that allow the comprehensive training of students. [Romero CR, Quintero JF, Arroyave CD, García AM. Research for Medical undergraduate students: a university training experience. MedUNAB 2016; 19 (1): 40-45]