Research today for a healthier tomorrow

The Association of Medical Students of the University of Nairobi (AMSUN) hosted its 12^th Scientific Conference on the 9^th and 10^th June, 2022 at the Chandaria Centre for Performing Arts.

 The conference was officially opened by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Prof. Julius Ogengo.

In his speech, Prof. Ogeng’o urged students to be actively involved in research saying it comes with a lot of benefits.

“Participating in research teaches you critical life skills. Somebody who is actively involved in research is a better critical thinker, a better creative thinker, better in analysis, better in defining a problem, and better in making  diagnosis.

It enhances professional growth. It is a critical component of the search of excellence. You are advancing the vision of the University,” Prof. Ogeng’o said.

The DVC noted that conferences are learning opportunities and the attendees must be willing to learn and at the same time work because those who don’t work don’t achieve anything.

On her part, Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) acting Dean, Prof. Evelyne Wagaiyu complimented the conference organizers for choosing ‘Research today for a healthier tomorrow’ as the theme of the event.

Prof. Wagaiyu said the theme was timely in the sense that there can’t be a healthier tomorrow if research is not done today.

“Research is all about changing the way we do things, improving the way we do things. If you are not questioning the way you are doing things and wanting to improve then you are not planning for a healthier tomorrow.

Research is about improving the way we manage our patients, improving the drugs we give them, the techniques we use in managing our patients. You should always have an inquisitive mind that is looking always to improve things for you to have a healthier tomorrow,” Prof. Wagaiyu said.

In his remarks, FHS acting Associate Dean of Postgraduate Studies Prof. Moses Obimbo gave the students key tips on becoming good scientists.

“To be a good scientist you have to be driven by curiosity in science discovery, be scientific, creative, treat research career as part of your life, and be conscious in research,” Prof. Obimbo.

Medical students who have engaged in research before had the opportunity to present their research findings to an audience of curious students and a panel of well-versed judges. Students were able to interact, network and learn from each other.

Outstanding research findings were awarded. The awards were into two categories; poster and oral presentations. The oral category winner was Ms. Stephanie Njambi who scored an 85, 1^st runners up was Amayo Amollo who scored 84.67 and the 2^nd runners up was Felix Njoroge who scored 84.14. The poster presentation winner was Ms. Khulud Nurani.