The Importance of Mentoring in Research
Dear colleagues, esteemed mentors, and future leaders in the field of medical research.
It is a great honor to stand before you today, at an event that not only marks the culmination of your hard work but also symbolizes the beginning of new opportunities and challenges in the field of medical research.
In 1976, when I was the senior resident at Atkinson Morley”s Hospital in London; which was one of the leading world hospitals at that time, we admitted around 500 cases of SAH per year. Many of the patients harboured multiple aneurysms, and there were no criteria to determine which aneurysm was the cause of the bleeding. It took me almost a year to come up with a comporehensive solution which I articulated in a paper called “Multiple Intracranial Aneurysms: Identifying the ruptured lesion”. I sent the paper to a recognised neurosurgery nournal which we label now as Q1. They apologised, and sent the manuscript back. I knew that the work was groundbreaking and needs to be published. So after many phone calls to the Editor of the journal and failure to convinvce him as to the importance of such an article, I went to my teacher Alan Richardson and told him about the issue. He said show me the manuscript, which he read with admiration, then picked the phone and spoke to the Editor on first names basis, saying “Paul I am sending an interesting article for publication”, Paul said “ by all means”. My tacher told me to add his name as the second author, which I did, and sent it to the journal and was published. It is a well cited article which made the life of everybody easy, but required some help for publication. Sometimes if you are not known; journals would not publish for you, you need to publish and publish until you are recognised. Matters have changed now and people pay for publication in some instances, but the team work and the collaboration and the presence of mentors and teachers usually help.
The Importance of Mentorship in Medical Research
So one of the first points I want to highlight is the vital role of mentorship in medical research. Research, by its very nature, can feel like navigating an unfamiliar and often isolated path. Yet, we must remember that no researcher, no matter how accomplished, walks this journey alone. For those of us who have been fortunate enough to engage in meaningful research, we know that having a mentor can make all the difference.
Mentorship provides more than just technical expertise; it offers emotional support, guidance through ethical dilemmas, and a sounding board for ideas that are still in their infancy. Think back to the first time you felt lost in your research. How did your mentor help you find direction? This type of guidance is invaluable and can be the key to developing as both a scientist and a human being.
As we advance in our careers, it’s important that we pay forward this invaluable support to the next generation. After all, the cycle of mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to ensure the continued growth of medical research.
The Global Impact of Jordanian Researchers
As medical students and researchers, you are already part of a broader global network, and it’s essential to recognize the impact that Jordanian researchers have had, and continue to have, on the global stage.
Jordan, with its history of academic excellence and innovation, has contributed significantly to the medical field, especially in areas like neurosurgery, oncology, and public health. Jordanian researchers discovered new brain cells, new syndromes, new types of hemoglibin and Jordans experetise in the the control of poliomyelitis is world lnown. Many of our own professors and colleagues have not only advanced scientific knowledge but have also contributed directly to the improvement of healthcare systems worldwide.
It’s essential to remind you, as emerging researchers, that you too have the power to shape the future of medical research and healthcare. The knowledge and skills you acquire here, and the collaborations you foster during events like this, will enable you to tackle pressing health issues not just in Jordan, but globally. Whether it's through publishing groundbreaking research, creating innovative treatments, or developing policies that improve patient outcomes, each of you has the potential to make a significant difference in the world.
Challenges in Medical Research
That said, the road ahead is not without its challenges. Medical research, as rewarding as it is, often presents hurdles that can seem insurmountable. You will face problems such as limited resources, ethical concerns, and the constant need for innovation. These challenges can be daunting, but they should not deter you from pursuing your goals.
For example, access to resources like funding, equipment, and laboratory space can be limited, especially in low-resource settings. However, this challenge is an invitation to get creative. You might have to rethink your approach or adapt existing technologies to fit within your means. Sometimes, the best solutions arise from constraints rather than unlimited freedom.
Another obstacle many researchers face is navigating the ethical dilemmas that naturally arise in medical science. From clinical trials to the use of patient data, ethical questions are part of every major decision you’ll make. The key is to always prioritize patient safety and well-being while remaining committed to the advancement of science. This balance is not always easy, but it is a principle that should guide all of your research decisions.
Finally, medical research is in a constant state of flux. New technologies, new theories, and new discoveries are happening all the time. It’s an exciting, fast-paced field, but it also requires you to be adaptive and open-minded. Embrace the challenge of staying ahead of the curve, but also be prepared to pivot when the unexpected occurs.
Integrating Research into Policy
I was fortunate enough to assume few political positions which enabled me to advance research and its tools forward, so when I was president of the University of Jordan, I established the Hamdi Manqp Center for research to work as a lab available for all those who want to conduct research , and later on as minister of higher education and scientific research I made more funds available for researchers in all fields. When I was minister of health, I created the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, and established the Jordanian National Committee for Epidemics, and made thyroid screening compulsory for the new borne and enacted the legislation for the premarital medical testing for Thalassemia.
One of the most significant contributions you can make as a researcher is to connect your findings with policy and practice. Medical research doesn’t exist in a vacuum. For research to truly benefit society, it must be translated into tangible, actionable outcomes.
Take, for example, the way neurosurgery and public health research have influenced health policies in many countries, including Jordan. For years, neurosurgeons and public health experts have worked together to advocate for policies that improve access to care, prevent neurological disorders, and enhance the quality of life for patients. You, as future researchers, must learn how to integrate your work into the policymaking process.
You will likely find yourself working with stakeholders—be they policymakers, healthcare providers, or advocacy groups—who can use your research to influence legislation, secure funding for public health initiatives, and improve the healthcare system overall. To be successful in this area, it is essential to learn how to communicate your research in a way that is accessible, persuasive, and policy-oriented.
The Future of Medical Research
Now, let us take a look ahead. The future of medical research is bright, but it is also filled with uncertainty and challenges. As the world faces issues like aging populations, chronic diseases, and emerging pandemics, the need for innovative research is more urgent than ever.
Conferences like “ResearchCraft” are pivotal in equipping the next generation of researchers to address these challenges. As future leaders in the medical field, you will be tasked with confronting global health crises, developing new therapies, and making critical decisions that affect lives on a broad scale.
The key to navigating this future is collaboration. The problems we face are so complex that no one researcher, no matter how skilled, can solve them alone. You must be ready to collaborate with researchers from diverse fields, cultures, and backgrounds. Collaboration is not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about learning to work together in a way that magnifies each person’s strengths and compensates for individual weaknesses.
Acknowledgments and Encouragement
Before I close, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has contributed to organizing this remarkable event. You have worked tirelessly to make today possible, and I am deeply grateful for your commitment to advancing the cause of medical research.
To all the students and researchers in this room: you are the future. Each of you has the potential to change the world. As you continue on your academic and research journeys, I encourage you to stay curious, stay courageous, and always remain committed to the highest ethical standards. And never forget the importance of building strong professional relationships—these connections will be your support, your sounding boards, and, perhaps most importantly, your collaborators as you take on the challenges ahead.
Take bold steps in your careers. Don’t be afraid to ask big questions, explore new territories, and challenge existing paradigms. The world needs your ideas, your passion, and your commitment to making a difference.
Thank you, and I wish you all a day filled with inspiration, learning, and exciting new beginnings.
