Education: Mentoring the doctors of tomorrow

By LKCMedicine Associate Professor Rupesh Agrawal

Teaching and mentoring young medical students is a rewarding experience that allows me to grow both personally and professionally, make a difference in the field of medicine, and build strong relationships with the next generation of healthcare providers.

One of the most rewarding aspects is sharing my knowledge and experience with young students who are eager to learn. Over the years, I have gained valuable insights into the field of medicine, particularly in the field of community healthcare. I also developed a deep understanding of the challenges that medical professionals face, particularly in under-resourced settings. Sharing my experiences and inspiring students to develop their own skills, expertise, and platforms is an incredibly gratifying experience. 

By teaching and mentoring young medical students, I am able to help shape the future of the field and ensure that the next generation of medical professionals is equipped with the skills, empathy, and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality care to those in need.

Dr Agrawal (left) demonstrating clinical examination skills to LKCMedicine students in Nepal during the Overseas Community Involvement Programme “Project Aasha” (December 2022)

Challenges for the doctors of tomorrow 

The doctors of tomorrow will face a range of challenges as they navigate an ever-changing healthcare landscape. Here are a few of the main challenges that are likely to be most pressing: 

Technological advances: The healthcare industry is undergoing a rapid transformation due to the fast-paced advancements in technology, with new medical technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, precision medicine, and genomics emerging constantly. The doctors of tomorrow will face the challenge of staying up to date with these advances and incorporating them into their practice to deliver the best possible care for their patients. 

Rising healthcare costs: Healthcare costs are on the rise globally, which poses a complex environment that future doctors will need to navigate. They will have to work collaboratively with patients and insurers to explore innovative ways to deliver high-quality care while keeping costs under control. This requires a willingness to challenge the status quo and an ability to think outside the box.

Ageing populations: With the world's ageing population, tomorrow’s doctors will be faced with the challenge of managing an increasing burden of chronic disease and age-related conditions. To combat this, they will need to develop new treatments and work with patients to promote healthy ageing and disease prevention. These efforts will require a collaborative approach with other healthcare professionals.

Mental health challenges: Mental health has become a crucial healthcare issue, and future doctors will need to be equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions. They must stay knowledgeable about the latest research and best practices and work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Work-life balance: Finally, they will need to find ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout and maintain their passion for their work. Healthcare can be a demanding and stressful field, and doctors need to prioritise self-care to maintain their physical and emotional health. 

These challenges will require innovative thinking, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a willingness to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and patients to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Research opportunities for medical students

By equipping medical students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their research endeavours, medical schools can promote innovation, collaboration, and excellence in research, and ultimately improve patient care and outcomes. I believe that we can consider creating the following opportunities and initiatives for medical students to be involved in research.

Establishing a mentorship programme: Pairing interested medical students and junior doctors with experienced researchers or clinicians who can offer guidance and support throughout the research process is one way to promote talent development. As the Chair of the Research Talent Development Committee (RTDC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and co-lead for the recruitment and talent development domain for the newly-established Academy of Clinician Scientists and Innovators (ACSI) at LKCMedicine, we are exploring the establishment of formal programmes or initiatives to identify and nurture promising young medical professionals.

Developing research skills training: Offering workshops, seminars, or online training programmes can be an effective way to equip medical students with the necessary skills to conduct research effectively. These training programmes can cover a broad range of topics, from research design and methodology to data analysis and presentation, depending on the level of expertise and needs of the target audience.

Medical students often have limited research experience and may require additional support to develop the skills and knowledge needed to conduct high-quality research projects. Workshops and seminars can provide medical students with the opportunity to learn from experienced researchers and gain hands-on experience in research design, data collection, and analysis. These programmes can also offer guidance on how to navigate ethical considerations and regulations related to human subject research.

They can also help foster a culture of research and scholarship within medical education. 

Organising research internships: Partnerships with hospitals, clinics, or research institutions can help medical students and junior doctors develop their research skills, gain hands-on experience in a clinical or laboratory setting, and contribute to ongoing projects that can have significant impacts on patient care and outcomes. By partnering with local institutions, medical schools can tap into the expertise and resources available in the surrounding community and foster collaborations that benefit both parties.

On the other hand, collaborating with overseas institutions offers unique opportunities for participants to broaden their horizons and gain exposure to different healthcare systems, research priorities, and cultural contexts. One-year research fellowships in international settings can be particularly enriching, as they allow medical students and junior doctors to immerse themselves in a new environment and learn from local professionals and researchers. Such experiences can also help participants develop cross-cultural communication and leadership skills that are increasingly valued in a globalised world.

Dr Agrawal interacting with LKCMedicine students and local doctors in Nepal during “Project Aasha” (December 2018)

Encouraging community engagement: Creating partnerships with local and overseas community organisations involves collaborating with other groups to develop and implement research projects that address community health issues. The aim is to work together to identify health problems affecting the community and develop evidence-based interventions that can improve health outcomes. Such partnerships may involve sharing resources, expertise, and knowledge, as well as engaging community members and other stakeholders in the research process. To create effective partnerships, it is important to build relationships based on mutual trust and respect, establish clear communication channels, and develop shared goals and objectives.

These partnerships can also help to build capacity within the community, empowering individuals and organisations to take ownership of health issues and become more involved in the research process. It allows researchers to better understand the needs and concerns of the community, and to develop interventions that are more relevant and effective. 

Creating opportunities for grant applications and awards: As a part of the efforts to promote talent development, we should aim to mentor young medical professionals in the grant application process and also identify talented individuals for recognition and awards. This would involve providing support to promising individuals who are interested in pursuing research, including assistance in identifying funding opportunities and developing grant proposals. In addition, we should also aim to recognise and award exceptional medical professionals who have made significant contributions to their field. This can help to encourage and motivate young medical professionals to continue pursuing research and innovation, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes.

By implementing these initiatives, medical students and junior doctors can gain valuable research experience early in their careers, ultimately leading to a more informed and innovative approach to healthcare.

Becoming a good doctor

As a medical student or young medical professional, you may be wondering how you can give back to your community. Healthcare presents a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact, but it can also be daunting to navigate the heterogeneity of needs and opportunities. However, for those willing to step outside their comfort zone, the potential to make a difference can be both exciting and rewarding.

Get-together for “Project Aasha” with LKCMedicine students, local doctors and healthcare workers in Nepal (December 2019)

In many less developed countries in the region, such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal, there is a significant shortage of resources, trained healthcare manpower, and adequate healthcare facilities, which lead to extreme shortages of healthcare services and resources in certain rural communities. Volunteering in healthcare can be a powerful way to meet these needs, both in terms of providing direct service and building capacity within local communities. 

Continuity is crucial to ensure lasting impact, and therefore, it's important to focus on training local staff to provide ongoing care after a mission or project is complete. This approach helps to build sustainability and ensure that healthcare resources continue to be available to those who need them most. 

Singapore, with its abundant resources and talent, is well-positioned to be a City of Good. However, to achieve this goal, the next generation must be challenged to put down their smartphones and be more present and involved in the world around them.

As a medical student or young medical professional, you have a unique set of skills and knowledge that can be leveraged to make a difference. Let me end with this message to our young doctors:

As a young medical mind,
You may feel like you're confined,
Lacking money, expertise, and time,
Wondering how to give back, where to find. 

But healthcare is a way,
To make an impact every day,
And though it may seem daunting,
Stepping out of your comfort zone is rewarding.

Less developed countries face a shortage,
Of resources and trained healthcare, a shortage,
Volunteering can meet needs, build capacity,
And provide lasting care with continuity.

Singapore, a City of Good,
Abundant resources and talent, it could,
Inspire the next generation to be present,
And make a lasting impact, becoming a testament. 

As a medical student or young professional,
Your skills and knowledge are exceptional,
Applying technology and collaborating,
With help, you can contribute to a world worth celebrating.

Dr Agrawal with LKCMedicine students in Nepal for “Project Aasha” (December 2022)

A/Prof Rupesh Agrawal was conferred the LKCMedicine Special Recognition Awards 2022 – Inspiring Tutor/Teacher Award which honours mentors who have inspired and acted as role models for the students to continuously push beyond their boundaries.