Intership – An exposure to Medical Research & Evidence Based Practice
Completing my internship at QMed Knowledge Foundation as part of my MLIS program has been a deeply enriching experience. This MLIS internship experience introduced me to medical research, research literacy, and evidence-based practice in healthcare. Through my internship at QMed Knowledge Foundation, I gained practical exposure to medical information systems and understood the essential role information professionals play in supporting research and clinical decision-making.
As an LIS student, I was curious to understand how an organization focused on medical information and evidence-based medicine operates in practice. My internship at QMed gave me a glimpse into the current state of Indian medical research. I observed that many students and professionals are unaware of fundamental yet crucial techniques required for structured and authentic research. This realization reinforced the importance of research literacy—not only in healthcare but across all disciplines.
Understanding Medical Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Interning at QMed exposed me to the concept of evidence-based practice from the very beginning. In healthcare, decisions are made based on strong scientific evidence rather than assumptions. Information professionals play a crucial role in retrieving, organizing, and presenting that evidence effectively.
Unlike many of my classmates who interned in academic libraries, my MLIS internship experience immersed me in medical librarianship and evidence-based medicine support. I saw how structured searching and research literacy directly contribute to better healthcare outcomes.
Learning Literature Searching with PubMed
During the foundational course on Information Resources and Literature Searching, I worked extensively with PubMed. Constructing search strategies using keywords, Boolean operators, and MeSH terms felt like solving a complex puzzle. Finding the right combination to retrieve accurate and relevant literature required logic, patience, and refinement.
Although I had studied database searching during my MLIS coursework, my internship required a much higher level of precision. With guidance and consistent practice, I improved my ability to design structured searches that support doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals. This hands-on experience strengthened my competence in advanced literature searching and medical research support.
Applying Research Methodology in Practice
This internship gave me the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge of research methodology in a real medical research environment. I learned how to retrieve accurate search results, evaluate relevance, and ensure credibility.
Bridging classroom concepts with practical application helped me understand how research design, structured searching, and evidence synthesis are interconnected. This MLIS internship experience significantly strengthened my foundation in research methodologies.
Mastering Reference Management with Zotero
Reference management was another important area of growth during this internship. I had previously used Zotero, but I realized that access to tools does not guarantee correct usage. After structured training and practice, I identified mistakes I had made earlier in citation management.
This learning curve highlighted the importance of proper training in research methodology, database searching, and reference management. Accurate citation practices are essential in medical research and evidence-based practice.
Challenges and Growth
Coming from a non-medical background, I initially struggled with unfamiliar medical terminology and concepts. However, being an LIS student encouraged me to remain curious and persistent. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I researched unfamiliar terms and gradually developed confidence in navigating medical literature.
I also observed the operational challenges involved in maintaining and organizing medical information resources. The work requires constant updates, revisions, and attention to detail. Witnessing the dedication involved in sustaining research literacy initiatives was truly inspiring. Vasumathi ma’am was a pillar of knowledge and guided me through all processes.
A New Perspective on LIS
My internship at QMed Knowledge Foundation broadened my understanding of the LIS profession. Librarianship extends far beyond academic settings—it includes roles in medical institutions, research organizations, and knowledge management environments.
This MLIS internship experience showed me the adaptability of information professionals. The role is certainly not confined to the “traditional image of a librarian” but expands into research support, evidence-based medicine assistance, and medical information management.
Reflections
Reflecting on my internship at QMed Knowledge Foundation, I recognize it as more than a mandatory academic requirement. It was a transformative experience that connected classroom knowledge with real-world application in medical research and evidence-based practice.
This internship strengthened my research skills, refined my database searching abilities, improved my reference management techniques, and clarified my interest in medical librarianship and research support services. I am grateful for the mentorship and exposure that helped me grow both academically and professionally.
Mahek Panchal
SNDT, MLISC Student.
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