As part of the Research Methodology and Synopsis Writing Workshop for first-year Postgraduate students of SDM Dental College, a panel discussion titled “My Research, My Perspective” was organized to provide practical insights into real-world research challenges and effective ways to address them. The session aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and the lived experiences of conducting research in clinical and academic settings.

Panelists & Research Focus Areas

• Dr. Mihir Kulkarni – Case Reports & Case Series

• Dr. Jayanti M. Hegde – Follow-up / Longitudinal Studies

• Dr. Megha Mary George – Questionnaire-based Studies

• Dr. Priya Mahadev Pattanshetti – Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

• Moderator: Dr. Zeba Afroz Shaikh

Session Structure

Part 1: Overview of Research Types & Challenges
Panelists highlighted technical and operational hurdles commonly faced in study planning, follow-up, data quality, feasibility, and interpretation.

Part 2: Interactive Q&A
Students engaged with the experts on issues such as choosing suitable study designs, recruitment, managing bias, ensuring validity, and maintaining follow-up.

Part 3: Key Takeaways
Speakers emphasized early planning, systematic documentation, mentorship, feasibility assessment, and addressing methodological issues before data collection.

Key Highlights

• Case Reports/Series: Importance of novelty, learning value, and opportunities for inter-institutional collaboration.

• Longitudinal Studies: Challenges of patient follow-up and strategies for improving compliance and consistent data collection.

• Questionnaire Studies: Addressed misconceptions, common design errors, respondent bias, and the need for pilot testing and validated tools.

• RCTs: Discussed complexities in randomization, blinding, SOP adherence, monitoring, and ethical requirements.

Acknowledgment

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the panelists by Vice Principals Dr. Lekha, Dr. Harikesh Rao, and Dr. Mahantesh Yeli, followed by a group photograph.