My research journey began during my fourth year of medical school in Pakistan, where I initially had limited exposure to formal research training. Recognizing the need to strengthen my research foundation, I actively sought opportunities across academic institutions in the United States to gain advanced education and experience in clinical research. As a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins Hospital, my focus remained on mastering research methodologies crucial for the development and execution of high-quality clinical studies. I worked closely with both research and clinical mentors, whose guidance proved invaluable to my growth. Additionally, I took advantage of formal coursework offered by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, which provided robust training in epidemiology, biostatistics, and study design.
One of the most important lessons I have learned is the significance of conducting a comprehensive literature review prior to initiating a research project. This critical step ensures a thorough understanding of the existing body of evidence and informs the development of a well-structured retrospective study. Such studies often serve as the groundwork for prospective research that can robustly test new hypotheses. In addition, enrolling in online courses—such as those offered through Coursera—can be a valuable adjunct to formal education, particularly in enhancing one's understanding of research methodology.
Over the course of my research training, I have progressively advanced from designing retrospective observational studies to managing multicenter, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). ASGE has played a pivotal role in supporting my research endeavors. Through their funding from a 2014 Endoscopic Research Award, I successfully completed my first multicenter RCT as both a project manager and a postdoctoral fellow.
In summary, identifying a dedicated and knowledgeable research mentor, coupled with early and structured education in research methodology, forms a critical foundation for success in the field of clinical research.
Ayesha Kamal, MD
Dr. Kamal is a first-year gastroenterology fellow at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland interested in pancreatic disease and aiming to become an academic gastroenterologist.