How One Question Led Me to Surgical Research: A Guide for Women in Medicine

Author: Hala AlDabbous

For many medical students, research can feel like an intimidating, distant world, something reserved for residents or those with connections. I used to think the same. What I’ve learned, however, is that research is not a privilege, it is a skill, and like any skill in medicine, it can be learned, practiced, and developed over time.

My journey into research didn’t begin with confidence. It began with curiosity.

The turning point came during the recent surge in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in Kuwait. As these medications became increasingly popular, I found myself drawn not to their well known benefits, but to their less discussed clinical effects. I began to wonder what kinds of patients we might start seeing as a result, and whether there were patterns we had yet to fully understand. That curiosity made the topic feel real and relevant, something unfolding in front of us rather than confined to textbooks.

At the time, I knew a physician who was already working in this area. Reaching out to express my interest felt like a small step, but it turned out to be the most important one. That conversation led to an opportunity to join an ongoing research project exploring the relationship between GLP-1 therapy and anorectal disease. What stood out to me was that I was not starting from scratch, I was stepping into an active research environment, learning how questions are shaped, how data is interpreted, and how clinical observations are translated into meaningful work, alongside researchers with experience and multiple publications.

This experience eventually led to presenting our findings at the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting in May 2025. In that moment, I realized that research was not distant or exclusive. It was already happening around me, accessible through curiosity, initiative, and the willingness to ask questions.

What changed most was not just my involvement in research, but how I understood it. Research does not begin with statistical software or publications, it begins with noticing something in clinical practice and asking why. That shift in perspective made research feel less like a requirement and more like a natural extension of clinical thinking.

For students interested in surgery, especially women who may feel excluded from research spaces, the first step is often simpler than it seems. Starting small is both practical and effective. Case reports, audits, and retrospective studies are valuable entry points that build both confidence and skill. They allow you to understand the fundamentals of research without becoming overwhelmed, and they create a foundation for more complex projects later on.

Mentorship plays a critical role in this journey. A supportive mentor can guide your thinking, refine your approach, and open doors to opportunities you may not have found on your own. Reaching out, expressing genuine interest, and being willing to learn can make a significant difference. Often, the hardest part is simply taking that first step.

Consistency matters more than intensity. Progress in research does not require large blocks of uninterrupted time, it happens through small, regular efforts. Reading articles, writing sections, and reviewing data gradually build into meaningful outcomes. Along the way, setbacks such as rejected abstracts or manuscripts are inevitable, but they are part of the process rather than a reflection of your ability.

Research is no longer optional in modern surgery, it is essential. More importantly, it is empowering. It allows you to question, to contribute, and to grow into a more thoughtful clinician. Your first publication is not the final goal, it is simply proof that you belong in a space you may have once thought was out of reach.

Bio:

Hala AlDabbous is a medical student at Kuwait University. She completed her Bachelor of Medical Science in 2025 and is currently pursuing her MD, with a strong interest in surgical research. She is actively involved in clinical research, with experience in cross-sectional studies and retrospective analyses.

Hala is passionate about developing her academic and clinical skills, with the goal of pursuing a successful career while remaining actively engaged in research and medical education.

Outside of medicine, she enjoys fitness, art and painting, and creative projects, including developing educational content and writing.