Empowering FFE Scholars Through QMedCourses
The Foundation for Excellence (FFE), Bengaluru, has been supporting students who have high potential, but do not have the financial means for higher studies, for many years. By funding the education of students who gain admission into Medicine, Engineering, Technology and Law, FFE helps them pursue professional careers that might otherwise be out of reach.
For the third year (with some gaps in between), QMed has had the privilege of working with FFE, empowering the FFE scholars with a strong foundation for research. Through this collaboration, FFE has sponsored access to QMedCourses for their students, enabling them to build essential skills in literature searching, referencing, and academic learning.
Starting Strong: Orientation and Inspiration
This year, we wanted to achieve stronger engagement and better outcomes.
We began with an orientation webinar designed to set expectations clearly. We explained what the students could expect from QMedCourses, how the learning would be structured, and how these skills would benefit them throughout their professional journey.
We were also delighted to have Dr Alhad M, a recent medical graduate and a member of our soon-to-be constituted Advisory Panel, address the scholars. Dr Alhad has inspired tremendous interest in research among undergraduate students through his own journey and initiatives. His session sparked curiosity and helped students see research not as something distant, but as something they could actively participate in—even during their undergraduate years.
Voluntary Participation, Strong Response
FFE chose to keep participation voluntary—and the response was encouraging.
A total of 98 FFE Scholars signed up for the program. Their willingness to participate reflected both their motivation and their openness to learning skills beyond the formal curriculum.
Understanding the Foundations
We conducted a second webinar session to introduce key concepts covered in our first course. This session helped students understand:
- About various information resources – primary and secondary
- A quick understanding of what constitutes evidence, and evidence based resources
- The importance of proper referencing
- The core basics of correct searching
After this, students were given one month to complete the course.
Early Outcomes
At the time of writing, several scholars have successfully completed the course. Many students are currently in the midst of examinations, and we recognize the academic pressures they face. We will be offering additional time to ensure everyone has the opportunity to complete the course comfortably.
We are, however, extremely encouraged by the feedback received so far from those who have completed it. Some are reproduced below. (Some are shortened for brevity)
Using PubMed was always a mystery to me, and this program helped me understand it. I loved the way you taught, from the basic level you explained the importance, the usefulness of these exercises and also helped us to learn how to do them ourselves. I just hope (wish) I should have been taught this earlier like in first year or at least I should have known about it. Samrat Nanasaheb Gadhave, UG student, LTMMC & GH
I found the PDF in the starting that suggests how one can complete the course by giving 15 minutes per day. I found the course summary as PPT and chart -which are time saving and very useful. It is the best platform to learn about the basics of resources and searching. Nileshbhai Merubhai Dabhi, UG student, B J Medical College Ahmedabad
It gave me clarity on a lot of terms and also the assessment part kept reinforcing me to bring the best out of me. I like the assessment part and videos had extremely good quality. Shaik Rafi, UG student, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry
This course made me realize that I was searching everything in the wrong direction. It gave me the right pathway, starting from the basics. Aaliya Shakil Bagwan, UG student, GMC Ratnagiri
I enjoyed learning about Boolean operators and Tagging research terms and the four principles. I am very grateful to QMed for this course. Preeti, UG student, Lady Hardinge Medical College
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning.
We hope to conduct more webinars for FFE Scholars to ensure that all participants complete the courses and gain maximum benefit from them. Our goal is not simply course completion—but transformation.
We want these future professionals to:
- Stay updated with ease
- Read scientific and professional literature confidently
- Think critically
- Write well-structured academic articles
- Contribute meaningfully to their fields
Through continued collaboration with the Foundation for Excellence, we look forward to helping these scholars build strong academic foundations that will support them throughout their careers.
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