摘要：Introduction Research has become a priority in academic training among medical undergraduate students, and it has been associated with positivism, motivation, and critical thinking. Scientific associations also play a role in the research training for undergraduate students. The objective of this study was to describe the results of a research program during holiday periods proposed by Colombian medical students and to evaluate the importance of promoting them in Latin America. Materials and methods The study population included students from the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (Risaralda, Colombia) who had completed a questionnaire on aspects associated with scientific research and publications. Furthermore, a questionnaire of attitudes towards research was also completed. A second survey was conducted by a group of Latin America students, which included the importance of conducting research–based programs. The statistical analysis was performed using the STATA program. Results To be a member of an association increased the chances of winning an award at a congress (89%), as well as presenting a research paper at congress (68%), and to have a scientific publication (59%). The large majority of them (82,2%) would spend at least 5 hours a day continuously on research during their vacation time. During their vacation, they spend a mean of 5.5 hours per day, and 2.2 hours in an academic day. Conclusions Research is important in medical training. Medical students would like to receive courses or programs during holiday periods about scientific research, as they have more free time for these complementary activities.
关键词：Medical students ; Scientific societies ; Research ; Holidays ; Medical education ; Colombia
