A Response to “Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation as Drivers for Early Engagement in Research by Medical Students” – A Medical Student Perspective [Letter]

Sara Mirza, Shazmin Ahmed, Sulaiman Hayat King’s College London, GKT School of Medical Education, London, UKCorrespondence: Sulaiman HayatKing’s College London, GKT School of Medical Education, London SE1 9RT, UKEmail sulaiman.hayat@kcl.ac.uk Dear editorWe read with interest the recent article by Almari et al1 regarding intrinsic motivation (IM) and extrinsic motivation (EM) in the context of medical student involvement in research. The study found that medical students who engaged in research were more likely to report EM. As fourth- year medical students studying at King’s College London, who have undertaken an intercalated BSc and extra-curricular research, we commend what this article delineates and would like to offer our viewpoint.Currently, the UK Foundation Programme (UKFP) application score consists of up to 7 additional points relating to research; a maximum of 5 for an additional degree and 2 for publications. The percentage of applicants seeking additional points has increased from 30% to 70% in the most recent application round.2 As penultimate- year medical students, we have experienced the pressure of achieving these points to make our applications competitive. With incredibly narrow deanery cut-off scores, the difference of one point could determine our two-year placement for foundation training and subsequently the likelihood of being allocated our preferred specialties. For us and many of our peers, the extra points are currently the main motivator to get involved in research, and we relate to the senior medical students in this study who were influenced by the looming deadline of intern applications.1 View the original paper by Almari and colleagues