Identifying Roadblocks to Conducting Research for Residents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) is pivotal to improving global healthcare outcomes, yet residents in these settings often face substantial barriers in conducting research. These obstacles—ranging from financial constraints, such as prohibitive IRB fees, to limited institutional support and inadequate mentorship—significantly hinder the development of resident-led research initiatives. This panel will critically examine these challenges and propose actionable strategies for overcoming them.
Drawing from real-world examples in academic institutions in Mekele, Ethiopia, and Kampala, Uganda, panelists will provide a nuanced analysis of the systemic barriers to research faced by residents in LMICs. Discussion will focus on targeted interventions, such as enhancing mentorship programs, improving access to research education, and creating sustainable institutional frameworks that foster research productivity. Additionally, the session will emphasize the importance of bi-directional mentorship between LMIC residents and mentors from high-income countries (HICs) to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance research capacity.
Ultimately, this panel will offer practical solutions to create a supportive environment that nurtures resident research in LMICs, with a focus on reducing financial barriers, improving mentorship, and fostering cross-cultural research collaboration.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Identify and evaluate the primary barriers that residents in LMICs face in conducting research, including financial, institutional, and educational limitations, and discuss strategies to foster an environment conducive to resident-led research initiatives.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Analyze the impact of financial barriers, particularly the cost of IRB approval, on research productivity and propose concrete solutions to reduce these obstacles and enhance institutional support for research in LMICs.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Examine the role of mentorship, with a particular focus on bi-directional collaborations between LMIC residents and HIC mentors, as a critical tool in developing research capacity and overcoming the barriers to research in resource-limited settings.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Residents in LMICs face challenges like high IRB fees, limited mentorship, and insufficient research training, hindering contributions to healthcare. This panel will explore how mentorship and institutional support can address these barriers to foster impactful research.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :