Brewing Epidemic of Research Publications in Medical Colleges: Critical Commentary

Today’s medical educator/health professional educator is undergoing an identity crisis as competing priorities are thrust on him/her. Being an astute clinician, teacher (with multiple sub roles involving pedagogical and technological skills), researcher and administrator the educator is expected to deliver on all the fronts which is easier said than done. The most important determinant of recognition and reward today is scholarship of discovery and not always scholarship of teaching, integration or application which seem surreal at the least. The accreditation and ranking of an institute hinge on the number and quality of research output. There are targets set for procuring research grants and patents. This looks progressive and necessary but there are concerns which need the attention of all stakeholders.