Article Test

Objectives: to describe participation and knowledge in research programs by medical students from Oswaldo Aranha University Center (Centro Universitário Fundação Osvaldo Aranha, UNIFOA).

Methods: it was applied a survey during 2^nd Symposium on Clinical Research - focusing on oncology in the South of the State of Rio de Janeiro. The survey was answered by medical students from UNIFOA, encompassing socio-demographic variables, and clinical issues.

Results: 73 participants answered the survey, 64.4% (47/73) of them registered up to 3rd semester. Regarding participation in academic research project, 79.5% (67/73) didn’t have any participation, more than fifty per cent 56.2% (41/73), tried to participate in a project, but only 23.3% (17/73) got success in this initiative. Concerning general knowledge in clinical research, 80.8% (59/73) affirmed not had any contact with theme up to moment in their graduation course. Questions evaluating knowledge in basic concepts, described that only 50.7% (37/73) of the students know the difference between basic and clinical research, and only 45.2% (33/73) know the steps of approval process involving medical procedures.

Conclusion: low engagement of medical students in research activities might explain the low rate of physicians working on this area. Their potential interest should be enabled by medical schools to increase qualified human resources which will accelerate Brazilian participation in clinical trials.