research topics in general medicine

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Future Research in General Medicine Has Diverse Topics and is Highly Promising: Opinions Based on a Questionnaire Survey

Masaki tago.

1 Department of General Medicine, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan

Risa Hirata

Takashi watari.

2 General Medicine Center, Shimane University Hospital, Shimane, Japan

Kiyoshi Shikino

3 Department of General Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan

Yosuke Sasaki

4 Department of General Medicine and Emergency Care, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan

Hiromizu Takahashi

5 Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan

Taro Shimizu

6 Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan

In Japan, general medicine is still relatively new as a specialty, having been established in 2018 as the 19th primary specialty. The relevant research field has therefore not been fully established yet, and the detailed research areas in this field have not been identified. We conducted a descriptive questionnaire-based web survey of members of the Japanese Society of Hospital General Medicine. Respondents were asked to highlight their research topics from the following categories: diagnostic excellence, design (problem-solving and thinking methodology), symptomatology, physical examination, clinical epidemiology, home and community medicine, general medicine education, organizational management, hospital administration, and “none of the above (add description of your work if desired)”. The respondents could choose multiple topics. There were 276 respondents (14% response rate), of whom 240 (86.9%) were male, 103 (37.3%) worked at universities, and 232 (84.1%) had previous research experience. Diagnostic excellence was the most common research topic category among generalists (n=87, 21.3%), followed by clinical epidemiology (n=83, 20.3%), symptomatology (n=41, 10.0%), home and community medicine (n=39, 9.6%), and general medicine education (n=36, 8.8%). Seventy-eight respondents (19.1%) chose “none of the above (add description of your work if desired)”. The main research topics were in areas fundamental to diagnostic excellence, ie, diagnostics, diagnostic error, clinical epidemiology, and symptomatology. Home and community medicine and general medicine education were also included as research topics because of their diverse roles. The research interests of generalists are therefore diverse, and new areas and frameworks are likely to be created in the future.

Introduction

The research activities of generalists are foundational to the development of general medicine. In the United States, hospital medicine has a history of over 25 years, and many international scientific articles have been published on clinical issues, such as patient safety, cost effectiveness and healthcare economics, high-quality education, patient satisfaction in patient-centered care, and healthcare services. 1 , 2 These academic activities have led to widespread recognition of generalists in the United States. 3 In Japan, however, general medicine was only established as the 19th primary specialty in 2018, and thus has a short history. 4 The relevant research field is therefore yet to be established. Clinical research reportedly accounts for approximately 60% of all research topics studied by Japanese generalists. 5 , 6 However, the detailed research areas in this field are still unidentified. We therefore conducted a questionnaire-based study among the members of the Japanese Society of Hospital General Medicine to clarify the kinds of research in which generalists are involved and to generate ideas about how research in general medicine may develop in the future.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a descriptive questionnaire-based web survey among the members of Japanese Society of Hospital General Medicine from April 2, 2021 to April 19, 2021. All 1886 members were eligible for this web survey. We sent e-mails to all members using the society’s mailing list, and asked them to complete a Google Form about their primary research areas. Six expert Japanese generalists, all of whom were included in the authors, used critical discussion to reach a consensus on which specific research topics for general medicine to include. They decided on the following topics: diagnostic excellence, design (problem-solving and thinking methodology), symptomatology, physical examination, clinical epidemiology, home and community medicine, general medicine education, organizational management and hospital administration, and “none of the above (add description of your work if desired)”. Respondents were asked to choose their research topic from these categories, and could choose multiple topics. The results were shown as percentages for each topic with the total number of answers to the question as 100%.

The Ethics Committee of Saga University Hospital waived the need for ethical approval for this study because it was made clear at the start of the survey that all respondents were medical doctors, and no clinical information was being collected. All respondents gave informed consent on the questionnaire website and personal information was anonymized in the analysis.

The background of the respondents is shown in Table 1 . In total, 276 of the 1886 eligible participants responded (14% response rate), because responding was voluntary. Among the respondents, the median number of years since graduating was 21 (interquartile range: 12–33), 240 (86.9%) were male, and 103 (37.3%) worked at universities. Ninety-four (34.1%) were administrators at community hospitals; 23 (8.3%) were professors at universities; 88 (31.9%) were faculty members of universities with a position of assistant professor or above, including professors; and 232 (84.1%) had previous research experience. The total number of answers to the multiple-choice questions on the research topic was 408. Diagnostic excellence was the most common research topic category among generalists (n=87, 21.3%), followed by clinical epidemiology (n=83, 20.3%), symptomatology (n=41, 10.0%), home and community medicine (n=39, 9.6%), general medicine education (n=36, 8.8%), organizational management and hospital administration (n=25, 6.1%), physical examination (n=14, 3.4%), and design (problem-solving and thinking methodology) (n=5, 1.2%) ( Figure 1 ). Seventy-eight respondents (19.1%) answered “none of the above (add description of your work if desired)”. In the free description section, five respondents said clinical research on specific organs and diseases, three respondents said infectious diseases, and two said pathology. Medical information and communication technology (ICT), occupational medicine, sports medicine, gerontology, Kampo medicine, advanced care planning, alternative medicine, rehabilitation, behavior transformation, and examination were each reported by one person.

Backgrounds of the Respondents

Abbreviation : IQR, interquartile range.

Research topics of generalists.

Diagnostic Excellence

In the field of general medicine, physicians may see a wide range of diseases, from common conditions to more challenging cases that are difficult to diagnose. The general medicine department frequently involves clinical diagnosis based on the organs. 7 Generalists therefore focus their case reports on rare diseases and atypical courses of common diseases. Diagnostic excellence includes the physician’s thoughts about diagnostics and diagnostic errors. 8 However, in recent years, another approach to research on the quality of diagnosis has been proposed, based on two axes: physician factors and environmental factors (situativity). 9 Clinical indicators and concepts to measure the quality of various diagnoses have also been developed, and their validation and application are currently major areas of interest in the diagnostics field. 10 , 11 Generalists have diagnostic skills developed through history acquisition and physical examination. 12 , 13 In-depth evaluation of diagnostic errors from the viewpoint of the professional can improve quality of clinical care. 14 , 15 Numerous case reports on diagnostic errors as resources to improve the quality of diagnosis have been published in Japan, and research is being conducted on the epidemiology of diagnostic errors, 15 , 16 diagnostic error education, 17 clinical prediction rules, artificial intelligence (AI)-based diagnosis, 18 and diagnostic concepts. 19 Generalists working in various settings may discover research interests in the course of their daily clinical practice. 20 , 21

Clinical Epidemiology

Clinical epidemiology research uses epidemiological methods to answer clinical questions, and contributes to decision-making in clinical practice. 22 Clinical epidemiology covers a wide range of topics, including disease, healthcare issues, healthcare services, patients’ quality of life, and health status. 22 In the Japanese specialty board system, those items are included in the competencies of general medicine. 23 There is therefore a high affinity between general medicine and clinical epidemiology. Clinical epidemiology is also a fundamental methodology in evidence-based medicine (EBM). That general medicine has taken the lead in promoting and developing EBM in Japan 24 , 25 probably influences the research topics chosen by generalists.

Symptomatology

Symptomatology is the science of exploring diseases and pathologies through symptoms and is essential for diagnostic excellence. Generalists treat new patients with various symptoms and diagnostic challenges, 23 such as fever of unknown origin that other medical institutions have been unable to diagnose. 26 , 27 In general medicine, there has been much research on diagnosis, patient background, and the characteristics of various symptoms including fever of unknown origin, disturbance of consciousness, and abdominal pain. 26 , 28–30 Generalists are also often consulted on diagnoses within their hospitals, and therefore symptomatology is likely to be a main topic in this specialty. 31

Home and Community Medicine

The considerable diversity of clinical experiences required of Japanese generalists may account for a certain percentage of their research interest in home and community medicine. This is because the role of generalists is not limited to inpatient and outpatient care at university hospitals and community hospitals. They are also required to provide medical care in various settings, including chronic care hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and home care support hospitals and clinics. 25 , 32 Home and community medicine is quite different from university hospital care. Patients are treated in their everyday living environment, and close communication with patients is maintained. Under these circumstances, research on end-of-life care at home, 33 problems in community healthcare, 34 and medication usage are being actively conducted in the field of general medicine to provide more valuable healthcare services within the context of patients’ needs and limited healthcare resources. 35 Additionally, community medicine-based education is important in clinical education, 36 and therefore many studies on education in community medicine have also been conducted. 37 , 38

General Medicine Education

Unlike organ-based specialties, general medicine must provide holistic healthcare across organ systems. 25 , 39 Education for younger generations is also an essential role of generalists. 25 A generalist is a professional who needs extensive skills to cope with any patient need, including those beyond medical issues. 40 Training in general medicine can therefore help residents to improve their basic clinical skills. 41 The Japanese Model Core Curriculum for Medicine lists 37 symptoms, 42 and generalists’ experiences give them an advantage in providing comprehensive education on these symptoms. Given this background and the high affinity of general medicine with education, we believe that education is one of the more interesting research topics for generalists. They also have a vested interest in the education of younger generations to secure the future development of general medicine.

None of the Above (Add Description of Your Work if Desired)

In total, 19% of respondents in this study chose “none of the above (add description of your work if desired)”, but many did not provide details. Based on our previous studies, these respondents are probably involved in clinical research in organ-specific specialties or basic research. 5 , 6 However, there were a few respondents who mentioned specific topics such as Kampo medicine and alternative medicine, suggesting the diversity required by generalists. Nearly 20% of research topics could not be categorized, which implies that research in general medicine is not bound by the traditional distinctions of the past, and that there is room for further new fields and frameworks to be created and developed in the future. We consider that further research should be conducted to systematize research topics and clarify research interests in general medicine, which will eventually lead to the development of academic activities in general medicine in Japan.

Limitations

This study had several limitations. First, there could be response bias in the questionnaire survey. There would also have been selection bias because the response rate was 14%, which is lower than previous similar surveys. 5 , 34 , 43 We were also unable to evaluate the respondents’ level of experience or familiarity with general medicine research. These could have influenced our findings. Additionally, this was a descriptive study involving only Japanese generalists. Further international studies should be conducted to focus on each research topic, and clarify the research interests of generalists. Comparative studies to clarify the differences in research topics between generalists and other specialists should also be considered.

Conclusions

The main research topics of generalists were foundational areas of diagnostic excellence: diagnostics, diagnostic errors, clinical epidemiology, and symptomatology. Generalists are required to recognize and manage a wide range of conditions, and home and community medicine and general medicine education were therefore also included in their research topics. Our results suggest that there may be many topics that cannot be categorized within the framework of research themes used in this study. These findings emphasize the diversity of research interests among generalists. We consider that new fields and frameworks will be created in the future that allow for innovative research directions for generalists, not limited to older, more traditional approaches to research.

Acknowledgments

We thank Ms. Miho Hayashida from Saga University Hospital for their kind support for this work. We also thank Edanz ( https://jp.edanz.com/ac ) for editing a draft of this manuscript.

Funding Statement

There is no funding to report.

Abbreviations

AI, artificial intelligence; EBM, evidence-based medicine; ICT, information and communication technology.

Author Contributions

All the authors made a significant contribution to the work reported with respect to the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation. All authors took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article, and they gave their final approval of the version submitted for publication. All the authors have agreed on the journal for submission and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Masaki Tago is supported by grants from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP 18K17322 and JP21H03166. The sponsor of the study had no role in the preparation of the manuscript.

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Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a healthcare-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of healthcare-related research ideas and topic thought-starters across a range of healthcare fields, including allopathic and alternative medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, optometry, pharmacology and public health.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the healthcare domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic.

Overview: Healthcare Research Topics

• Allopathic medicine
• Alternative /complementary medicine
• Veterinary medicine
• Physical therapy/ rehab
• Optometry and ophthalmology
• Pharmacy and pharmacology
• Public health
• Examples of healthcare-related dissertations

Allopathic (Conventional) Medicine

• The effectiveness of telemedicine in remote elderly patient care
• The impact of stress on the immune system of cancer patients
• The effects of a plant-based diet on chronic diseases such as diabetes
• The use of AI in early cancer diagnosis and treatment
• The role of the gut microbiome in mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
• The efficacy of mindfulness meditation in reducing chronic pain: A systematic review
• The benefits and drawbacks of electronic health records in a developing country
• The effects of environmental pollution on breast milk quality
• The use of personalized medicine in treating genetic disorders
• The impact of social determinants of health on chronic diseases in Asia
• The role of high-intensity interval training in improving cardiovascular health
• The efficacy of using probiotics for gut health in pregnant women
• The impact of poor sleep on the treatment of chronic illnesses
• The role of inflammation in the development of chronic diseases such as lupus
• The effectiveness of physiotherapy in pain control post-surgery

Topics & Ideas: Alternative Medicine

• The benefits of herbal medicine in treating young asthma patients
• The use of acupuncture in treating infertility in women over 40 years of age
• The effectiveness of homoeopathy in treating mental health disorders: A systematic review
• The role of aromatherapy in reducing stress and anxiety post-surgery
• The impact of mindfulness meditation on reducing high blood pressure
• The use of chiropractic therapy in treating back pain of pregnant women
• The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine such as Shun-Qi-Tong-Xie (SQTX) in treating digestive disorders in China
• The impact of yoga on physical and mental health in adolescents
• The benefits of hydrotherapy in treating musculoskeletal disorders such as tendinitis
• The role of Reiki in promoting healing and relaxation post birth
• The effectiveness of naturopathy in treating skin conditions such as eczema
• The use of deep tissue massage therapy in reducing chronic pain in amputees
• The impact of tai chi on the treatment of anxiety and depression
• The benefits of reflexology in treating stress, anxiety and chronic fatigue
• The role of acupuncture in the prophylactic management of headaches and migraines

Topics & Ideas: Dentistry

• The impact of sugar consumption on the oral health of infants
• The use of digital dentistry in improving patient care: A systematic review
• The efficacy of orthodontic treatments in correcting bite problems in adults
• The role of dental hygiene in preventing gum disease in patients with dental bridges
• The impact of smoking on oral health and tobacco cessation support from UK dentists
• The benefits of dental implants in restoring missing teeth in adolescents
• The use of lasers in dental procedures such as root canals
• The efficacy of root canal treatment using high-frequency electric pulses in saving infected teeth
• The role of fluoride in promoting remineralization and slowing down demineralization
• The impact of stress-induced reflux on oral health
• The benefits of dental crowns in restoring damaged teeth in elderly patients
• The use of sedation dentistry in managing dental anxiety in children
• The efficacy of teeth whitening treatments in improving dental aesthetics in patients with braces
• The role of orthodontic appliances in improving well-being
• The impact of periodontal disease on overall health and chronic illnesses

Tops & Ideas: Veterinary Medicine

• The impact of nutrition on broiler chicken production
• The role of vaccines in disease prevention in horses
• The importance of parasite control in animal health in piggeries
• The impact of animal behaviour on welfare in the dairy industry
• The effects of environmental pollution on the health of cattle
• The role of veterinary technology such as MRI in animal care
• The importance of pain management in post-surgery health outcomes
• The impact of genetics on animal health and disease in layer chickens
• The effectiveness of alternative therapies in veterinary medicine: A systematic review
• The role of veterinary medicine in public health: A case study of the COVID-19 pandemic
• The impact of climate change on animal health and infectious diseases in animals
• The importance of animal welfare in veterinary medicine and sustainable agriculture
• The effects of the human-animal bond on canine health
• The role of veterinary medicine in conservation efforts: A case study of Rhinoceros poaching in Africa
• The impact of veterinary research of new vaccines on animal health

Topics & Ideas: Physical Therapy/Rehab

• The efficacy of aquatic therapy in improving joint mobility and strength in polio patients
• The impact of telerehabilitation on patient outcomes in Germany
• The effect of kinesiotaping on reducing knee pain and improving function in individuals with chronic pain
• A comparison of manual therapy and yoga exercise therapy in the management of low back pain
• The use of wearable technology in physical rehabilitation and the impact on patient adherence to a rehabilitation plan
• The impact of mindfulness-based interventions in physical therapy in adolescents
• The effects of resistance training on individuals with Parkinson’s disease
• The role of hydrotherapy in the management of fibromyalgia
• The impact of cognitive-behavioural therapy in physical rehabilitation for individuals with chronic pain
• The use of virtual reality in physical rehabilitation of sports injuries
• The effects of electrical stimulation on muscle function and strength in athletes
• The role of physical therapy in the management of stroke recovery: A systematic review
• The impact of pilates on mental health in individuals with depression
• The use of thermal modalities in physical therapy and its effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation
• The effect of strength training on balance and gait in elderly patients

Topics & Ideas: Optometry & Opthalmology

• The impact of screen time on the vision and ocular health of children under the age of 5
• The effects of blue light exposure from digital devices on ocular health
• The role of dietary interventions, such as the intake of whole grains, in the management of age-related macular degeneration
• The use of telemedicine in optometry and ophthalmology in the UK
• The impact of myopia control interventions on African American children’s vision
• The use of contact lenses in the management of dry eye syndrome: different treatment options
• The effects of visual rehabilitation in individuals with traumatic brain injury
• The role of low vision rehabilitation in individuals with age-related vision loss: challenges and solutions
• The impact of environmental air pollution on ocular health
• The effectiveness of orthokeratology in myopia control compared to contact lenses
• The role of dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, in ocular health
• The effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure from tanning beds on ocular health
• The impact of computer vision syndrome on long-term visual function
• The use of novel diagnostic tools in optometry and ophthalmology in developing countries
• The effects of virtual reality on visual perception and ocular health: an examination of dry eye syndrome and neurologic symptoms

Topics & Ideas: Pharmacy & Pharmacology

• The impact of medication adherence on patient outcomes in cystic fibrosis
• The use of personalized medicine in the management of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease
• The effects of pharmacogenomics on drug response and toxicity in cancer patients
• The role of pharmacists in the management of chronic pain in primary care
• The impact of drug-drug interactions on patient mental health outcomes
• The use of telepharmacy in healthcare: Present status and future potential
• The effects of herbal and dietary supplements on drug efficacy and toxicity
• The role of pharmacists in the management of type 1 diabetes
• The impact of medication errors on patient outcomes and satisfaction
• The use of technology in medication management in the USA
• The effects of smoking on drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics: A case study of clozapine
• Leveraging the role of pharmacists in preventing and managing opioid use disorder
• The impact of the opioid epidemic on public health in a developing country
• The use of biosimilars in the management of the skin condition psoriasis
• The effects of the Affordable Care Act on medication utilization and patient outcomes in African Americans

Topics & Ideas: Public Health

• The impact of the built environment and urbanisation on physical activity and obesity
• The effects of food insecurity on health outcomes in Zimbabwe
• The role of community-based participatory research in addressing health disparities
• The impact of social determinants of health, such as racism, on population health
• The effects of heat waves on public health
• The role of telehealth in addressing healthcare access and equity in South America
• The impact of gun violence on public health in South Africa
• The effects of chlorofluorocarbons air pollution on respiratory health
• The role of public health interventions in reducing health disparities in the USA
• The impact of the United States Affordable Care Act on access to healthcare and health outcomes
• The effects of water insecurity on health outcomes in the Middle East
• The role of community health workers in addressing healthcare access and equity in low-income countries
• The impact of mass incarceration on public health and behavioural health of a community
• The effects of floods on public health and healthcare systems
• The role of social media in public health communication and behaviour change in adolescents

Examples: Healthcare Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a healthcare-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various healthcare-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Improving Follow-Up Care for Homeless Populations in North County San Diego (Sanchez, 2021)
• On the Incentives of Medicare’s Hospital Reimbursement and an Examination of Exchangeability (Elzinga, 2016)
• Managing the healthcare crisis: the career narratives of nurses (Krueger, 2021)
• Methods for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infection in pediatric haematology-oncology patients: A systematic literature review (Balkan, 2020)
• Farms in Healthcare: Enhancing Knowledge, Sharing, and Collaboration (Garramone, 2019)
• When machine learning meets healthcare: towards knowledge incorporation in multimodal healthcare analytics (Yuan, 2020)
• Integrated behavioural healthcare: The future of rural mental health (Fox, 2019)
• Healthcare service use patterns among autistic adults: A systematic review with narrative synthesis (Gilmore, 2021)
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Combatting Burnout and Compassionate Fatigue among Mental Health Caregivers (Lundquist, 2022)
• Transgender and gender-diverse people’s perceptions of gender-inclusive healthcare access and associated hope for the future (Wille, 2021)
• Efficient Neural Network Synthesis and Its Application in Smart Healthcare (Hassantabar, 2022)
• The Experience of Female Veterans and Health-Seeking Behaviors (Switzer, 2022)
• Machine learning applications towards risk prediction and cost forecasting in healthcare (Singh, 2022)
• Does Variation in the Nursing Home Inspection Process Explain Disparity in Regulatory Outcomes? (Fox, 2020)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Need more help?

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your healthcare dissertation or thesis, check out Topic Kickstarter service below.

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15 Comments

I need topics that will match the Msc program am running in healthcare research please

Hello Mabel,

I can help you with a good topic, kindly provide your email let’s have a good discussion on this.

Can you provide some research topics and ideas on Immunology?

Thank you to create new knowledge on research problem verse research topic

Help on problem statement on teen pregnancy

This post might be useful: https://gradcoach.com/research-problem-statement/

can you provide me with a research topic on healthcare related topics to a qqi level 5 student

Please can someone help me with research topics in public health ?

Hello I have requirement of Health related latest research issue/topics for my social media speeches. If possible pls share health issues , diagnosis, treatment.

I would like a topic thought around first-line support for Gender-Based Violence for survivors or one related to prevention of Gender-Based Violence

Please can I be helped with a master’s research topic in either chemical pathology or hematology or immunology? thanks

Can u please provide me with a research topic on occupational health and safety at the health sector

Good day kindly help provide me with Ph.D. Public health topics on Reproductive and Maternal Health, interventional studies on Health Education

may you assist me with a good easy healthcare administration study topic

May you assist me in finding a research topic on nutrition,physical activity and obesity. On the impact on children

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77 interesting medical research topics for 2024

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Medical research is the gateway to improved patient care and expanding our available treatment options. However, finding a relevant and compelling research topic can be challenging.

Use this article as a jumping-off point to select an interesting medical research topic for your next paper or clinical study.

• How to choose a medical research topic

When choosing a research topic , it’s essential to consider a couple of things. What topics interest you? What unanswered questions do you want to address? 

During the decision-making and brainstorming process, here are a few helpful tips to help you pick the right medical research topic:

Focus on a particular field of study

The best medical research is specific to a particular area. Generalized studies are often too broad to produce meaningful results, so we advise picking a specific niche early in the process. 

Maybe a certain topic interests you, or your industry knowledge reveals areas of need.

Look into commonly researched topics

Once you’ve chosen your research field, do some preliminary research. What have other academics done in their papers and projects? 

From this list, you can focus on specific topics that interest you without accidentally creating a copycat project. This groundwork will also help you uncover any literature gaps—those may be beneficial areas for research.

Get curious and ask questions

Now you can get curious. Ask questions that start with why, how, or what. These questions are the starting point of your project design and will act as your guiding light throughout the process. 

For example: 

What impact does pollution have on children’s lung function in inner-city neighborhoods? 

Why is pollution-based asthma on the rise? 

How can we address pollution-induced asthma in young children? 

• 77 medical research topics worth exploring in 2023

Need some research inspiration for your upcoming paper or clinical study? We’ve compiled a list of 77 topical and in-demand medical research ideas. Let’s take a look. 

• Exciting new medical research topics

If you want to study cutting-edge topics, here are some exciting options:

COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms

Since 2020, COVID-19 has been a hot-button topic in medicine, along with the long-term symptoms in those with a history of COVID-19. 

Examples of COVID-19-related research topics worth exploring include:

The long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiac and respiratory health

COVID-19 vaccination rates

The evolution of COVID-19 symptoms over time

New variants and strains of the COVID-19 virus

Changes in social behavior and public health regulations amid COVID-19

Vaccinations

Finding ways to cure or reduce the disease burden of chronic infectious diseases is a crucial research area. Vaccination is a powerful option and a great topic to research. 

Examples of vaccination-related research topics include:

mRNA vaccines for viral infections

Biomaterial vaccination capabilities

Vaccination rates based on location, ethnicity, or age

Public opinion about vaccination safety 

Artificial tissues fabrication

With the need for donor organs increasing, finding ways to fabricate artificial bioactive tissues (and possibly organs) is a popular research area. 

Examples of artificial tissue-related research topics you can study include:

The viability of artificially printed tissues

Tissue substrate and building block material studies

The ethics and efficacy of artificial tissue creation

• Medical research topics for medical students

For many medical students, research is a big driver for entering healthcare. If you’re a medical student looking for a research topic, here are some great ideas to work from:

Sleep disorders

Poor sleep quality is a growing problem, and it can significantly impact a person’s overall health. 

Examples of sleep disorder-related research topics include:

How stress affects sleep quality

The prevalence and impact of insomnia on patients with mental health conditions

Possible triggers for sleep disorder development

The impact of poor sleep quality on psychological and physical health

How melatonin supplements impact sleep quality

Alzheimer’s and dementia 

Cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise worldwide. They currently have no cure. As a result, research about these topics is in high demand. 

Examples of dementia-related research topics you could explore include:

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in a chosen population

Early onset symptoms of dementia

Possible triggers or causes of cognitive decline with age

Treatment options for dementia-like conditions

The mental and physical burden of caregiving for patients with dementia

• Lifestyle habits and public health

Modern lifestyles have profoundly impacted the average person’s daily habits, and plenty of interesting topics explore its effects. 

Examples of lifestyle and public health-related research topics include:

The nutritional intake of college students

The impact of chronic work stress on overall health

The rise of upper back and neck pain from laptop use

Prevalence and cause of repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

• Controversial medical research paper topics

Medical research is a hotbed of controversial topics, content, and areas of study. 

If you want to explore a more niche (and attention-grabbing) concept, here are some controversial medical research topics worth looking into:

The benefits and risks of medical cannabis

Depending on where you live, the legalization and use of cannabis for medical conditions is controversial for the general public and healthcare providers.

Examples of medical cannabis-related research topics that might grab your attention include:

The legalization process of medical cannabis

The impact of cannabis use on developmental milestones in youth users

Cannabis and mental health diagnoses

CBD’s impact on chronic pain

Prevalence of cannabis use in young people

The impact of maternal cannabis use on fetal development 

Understanding how THC impacts cognitive function

Human genetics

The Human Genome Project identified, mapped, and sequenced all human DNA genes. Its completion in 2003 opened up a world of exciting and controversial studies in human genetics.

Examples of human genetics-related research topics worth delving into include:

Medical genetics and the incidence of genetic-based health disorders

Behavioral genetics differences between identical twins

Genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders

Machine learning technologies for genetic research

Sexual health studies

Human sexuality and sexual health are important (yet often stigmatized) medical topics that need new research and analysis.

As a diverse field ranging from sexual orientation studies to sexual pathophysiology, examples of sexual health-related research topics include:

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections within a chosen population

Mental health conditions within the LGBTQIA+ community

The impact of untreated sexually transmitted infections

Access to safe sex resources (condoms, dental dams, etc.) in rural areas

• Health and wellness research topics

Human wellness and health are trendy topics in modern medicine as more people are interested in finding natural ways to live healthier lifestyles. 

If this field of study interests you, here are some big topics in the wellness space:

Gluten sensitivity

Gluten allergies and intolerances have risen over the past few decades. If you’re interested in exploring this topic, your options range in severity from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to full-blown anaphylaxis. 

Some examples of gluten sensitivity-related research topics include:

The pathophysiology and incidence of Celiac disease

Early onset symptoms of gluten intolerance

The prevalence of gluten allergies within a set population

Gluten allergies and the incidence of other gastrointestinal health conditions

Pollution and lung health

Living in large urban cities means regular exposure to high levels of pollutants. 

As more people become interested in protecting their lung health, examples of impactful lung health and pollution-related research topics include:

The extent of pollution in densely packed urban areas

The prevalence of pollution-based asthma in a set population

Lung capacity and function in young people

The benefits and risks of steroid therapy for asthma

Pollution risks based on geographical location

Plant-based diets

Plant-based diets like vegan and paleo diets are emerging trends in healthcare due to their limited supporting research. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the potential benefits or risks of holistic, diet-based medicine, examples of plant-based diet research topics to explore include:

Vegan and plant-based diets as part of disease management

Potential risks and benefits of specific plant-based diets

Plant-based diets and their impact on body mass index

The effect of diet and lifestyle on chronic disease management

Health supplements

Supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry. Many health-conscious people take supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbal medicine, and more. 

Examples of health supplement-related research topics worth investigating include:

Omega-3 fish oil safety and efficacy for cardiac patients

The benefits and risks of regular vitamin D supplementation

Health supplementation regulation and product quality

The impact of social influencer marketing on consumer supplement practices

Analyzing added ingredients in protein powders

• Healthcare research topics

Working within the healthcare industry means you have insider knowledge and opportunity. Maybe you’d like to research the overall system, administration, and inherent biases that disrupt access to quality care. 

While these topics are essential to explore, it is important to note that these studies usually require approval and oversight from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This ensures the study is ethical and does not harm any subjects. 

For this reason, the IRB sets protocols that require additional planning, so consider this when mapping out your study’s timeline. 

Here are some examples of trending healthcare research areas worth pursuing:

The pros and cons of electronic health records

The rise of electronic healthcare charting and records has forever changed how medical professionals and patients interact with their health data. 

Examples of electronic health record-related research topics include:

The number of medication errors reported during a software switch

Nurse sentiment analysis of electronic charting practices

Ethical and legal studies into encrypting and storing personal health data

Inequities within healthcare access

Many barriers inhibit people from accessing the quality medical care they need. These issues result in health disparities and injustices. 

Examples of research topics about health inequities include:

The impact of social determinants of health in a set population

Early and late-stage cancer stage diagnosis in urban vs. rural populations

Affordability of life-saving medications

Health insurance limitations and their impact on overall health

Diagnostic and treatment rates across ethnicities

People who belong to an ethnic minority are more likely to experience barriers and restrictions when trying to receive quality medical care. This is due to systemic healthcare racism and bias. 

As a result, diagnostic and treatment rates in minority populations are a hot-button field of research. Examples of ethnicity-based research topics include:

Cancer biopsy rates in BIPOC women

The prevalence of diabetes in Indigenous communities

Access inequalities in women’s health preventative screenings

The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Black populations

• Pharmaceutical research topics

Large pharmaceutical companies are incredibly interested in investing in research to learn more about potential cures and treatments for diseases. 

If you’re interested in building a career in pharmaceutical research, here are a few examples of in-demand research topics:

Cancer treatment options

Clinical research is in high demand as pharmaceutical companies explore novel cancer treatment options outside of chemotherapy and radiation. 

Examples of cancer treatment-related research topics include:

Stem cell therapy for cancer

Oncogenic gene dysregulation and its impact on disease

Cancer-causing viral agents and their risks

Treatment efficacy based on early vs. late-stage cancer diagnosis

Cancer vaccines and targeted therapies

Immunotherapy for cancer

Pain medication alternatives

Historically, opioid medications were the primary treatment for short- and long-term pain. But, with the opioid epidemic getting worse, the need for alternative pain medications has never been more urgent. 

Examples of pain medication-related research topics include:

Opioid withdrawal symptoms and risks

Early signs of pain medication misuse

Anti-inflammatory medications for pain control

• Identify trends in your medical research with Dovetail

Are you interested in contributing life-changing research? Today’s medical research is part of the future of clinical patient care. 

As your go-to resource for speedy and accurate data analysis , we are proud to partner with healthcare researchers to innovate and improve the future of healthcare.

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Future Research in General Medicine Has Diverse Topics and is Highly Promising: Opinions Based on a Questionnaire Survey

Affiliations.

• 1 Department of General Medicine, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan.
• 2 General Medicine Center, Shimane University Hospital, Shimane, Japan.
• 3 Department of General Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
• 4 Department of General Medicine and Emergency Care, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
• 5 Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan.
• 6 Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
• PMID: 35942291
• PMCID: PMC9356371
• DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S369856

In Japan, general medicine is still relatively new as a specialty, having been established in 2018 as the 19th primary specialty. The relevant research field has therefore not been fully established yet, and the detailed research areas in this field have not been identified. We conducted a descriptive questionnaire-based web survey of members of the Japanese Society of Hospital General Medicine. Respondents were asked to highlight their research topics from the following categories: diagnostic excellence, design (problem-solving and thinking methodology), symptomatology, physical examination, clinical epidemiology, home and community medicine, general medicine education, organizational management, hospital administration, and "none of the above (add description of your work if desired)". The respondents could choose multiple topics. There were 276 respondents (14% response rate), of whom 240 (86.9%) were male, 103 (37.3%) worked at universities, and 232 (84.1%) had previous research experience. Diagnostic excellence was the most common research topic category among generalists (n=87, 21.3%), followed by clinical epidemiology (n=83, 20.3%), symptomatology (n=41, 10.0%), home and community medicine (n=39, 9.6%), and general medicine education (n=36, 8.8%). Seventy-eight respondents (19.1%) chose "none of the above (add description of your work if desired)". The main research topics were in areas fundamental to diagnostic excellence, ie, diagnostics, diagnostic error, clinical epidemiology, and symptomatology. Home and community medicine and general medicine education were also included as research topics because of their diverse roles. The research interests of generalists are therefore diverse, and new areas and frameworks are likely to be created in the future.

Keywords: clinical research; diagnostic excellence; general medicine; medical education; research topic.

© 2022 Tago et al.

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Research Topics

The links below will take you to the Research pages for all of the Department of Medicine’s different Section and Centers. You can explore more specific research topics within those pages.

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• SUMMARY AND COMMENT | 
• General Medicine
• Ambulatory Medicine
• May 23, 2024

β-Blockers in Patients with COPD: A Randomized Trial

Allan S. Brett, MD , reviewing Devereux G et al. JAMA 2024 May 19 Han MK and Dransfield MT. JAMA 2024 May 19

The cardioselective β-blocker bisoprolol was neither beneficial nor harmful in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The safety of β-blockers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has long been debated. On the one hand, even cardioselective β-blockers have some effect on airway β 2 receptors that theoretically could worsen airflow. On the other hand, several observational studies have suggested that β-blockers actually might lower risk for COPD exacerbations — and several theoretical mechanisms have been proposed to explain that observation.

In this randomized trial, U.K. researchers identified 519 patients (mean age, 68) with mostly moderate COPD (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV 1 ], 50%), ≥2 exacerbations during the previous year, and no cardiovascular (CV) indications for β-blockers. Patients were randomized to receive the cardioselective β-blocker bisoprolol (initially 1.25 mg daily, titrated to 5 mg if tolerated) or placebo. At 1 year, no significant differences were noted between groups in incidence of COPD exacerbations or in other important benefits or harms.

This study is the second major randomized trial to examine the effect of a cardioselective β-blocker on COPD outcomes. In the other trial, enrollment criteria were similar, and hospitalization for severe COPD exacerbation occurred slightly more frequently with metoprolol than with placebo ( NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 1 2019 and N Engl J Med 2019; 381:2304). Taken together, these studies indicate that even cardioselective β-blockers should be avoided in patients with COPD and no CV indications (e.g., heart failure, coronary ischemia). For patients with CV indications, benefits will likely outweigh the small risk of exacerbating COPD, but we should advise patients to let us know if COPD symptoms worsen after initiating β-blocker therapy.

Devereux G et al. Bisoprolol in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at high risk of exacerbation: The BICS randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2024 May 19; [e-pub]. ( https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.8771 )

Han MK and Dransfield MT. β-Blockers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — Walking the tightrope. JAMA 2024 May 19; [e-pub]. ( https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.8743 )

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Topics aging/geriatrics respiratory infections, latest in general medicine, vonoprazan: a drug for erosive esophagitis, allan s. brett, md, managing cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.

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Table of contents

• 1 How to Choose Medical Research Paper Topics
• 2 New Medical Research Paper Topics
• 3 Medical Research Topics for College Students
• 4 Controversial Medical Topics for Research Paper
• 5 Health Research Topics
• 6 Medicine Research Topics
• 7 Healthcare Research Topics
• 8 Public Health Research Topics
• 9 Mental Health Research Paper Topics
• 10 Anatomy Research Topics
• 11 Biomedical Research Topics
• 12 Bioethics Research Topics
• 13 Cancer Research Topics
• 14 Clinical Research Topics
• 15 Critical Care Research Topics
• 16 Pediatric Research Topics
• 17 Dental Research Topics Ideas
• 18 Dermatology Research Topics
• 19 Primary Care Research Topics
• 20 Pharmaceutical Research Topics
• 21 Medical Anthropology Research Topics
• 22 Paramedic Research Paper Topics
• 23 Surgery Research Topics
• 24 Radiology Research Paper Topics
• 25 Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics
• 26 Healthcare Management Research Paper Topics
• 27 Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics
• 28 Conclusion

In such a complex and broad field as medicine, writing an original and compelling research paper is a daunting task. From investigating public care concerns to cancer treatment studies, each student decides where his interests lie. Our goal is to help students find new angles to study and focus on relevant topics. With our resources, you can write an engaging and rigorous paper.

How to Choose Medical Research Paper Topics

Choosing good research paper topics is often more challenging than the writing process itself. You need to select a captivating subject matter that will grab the reader’s attention, showcase your knowledge of a specific field, help you progress in your studies, and perhaps even inspire future research.

To accomplish that, you need to start with brainstorming, followed by thorough research. Here are some great tips to follow:

• Pick an interesting topic – The key is to pick something that you find interesting, and yet make sure it’s not too general or too narrow. It should allow you to delve deep into the subject matter and show that you’re a professional who is ready to take on a challenge when it comes to your chosen field of medicine.
• Narrow down your focus – Once you have a list of potential topics, sift through recent medical research papers to get up-to-date with the latest trends, developments, and issues in medicine and healthcare. Check out textbooks, news articles, and other relevant sources for more information related to your potential topics. If a particular condition or disease interests you (perhaps something that drew you to a career in medicine), there’s your cue for narrowing down your topic.
• Pinpoint the “why,” “how,” and “what” – Whether you are looking into nutrition research paper topics , controversial medical topics, nursing research topics, or anything in-between, ask yourself why each of them is important. How could they contribute to the available medical studies, if any? What new information could they bring to improve the future of medicine? Asking these questions will help you pick the right medical research paper topic that suits you and helps you move forward and reach your aspirations.

To help you on that quest, we’ve compiled a list of topics that you could use or that might inspire you to come up with something unique. Let’s dive in.

New Medical Research Paper Topics

Are you interested in the newest and most interesting developments in medicine? We put hours of effort into identifying the current trends in health research so we could provide you with these examples of topics. Whether you hire a research paper writing service for students or write a paper by yourself, you need an appealing topic to focus on.

• Epidemics versus pandemics
• Child health care
• Medical humanitarian missions in the developing world
• Homoeopathic medicines – the placebo effect
• Virus infections – causes and treatment
• Is medical research on animals ethical
• Vaccination – dangers versus benefits
• Artificial tissues and organs
• Rare genetic diseases
• Brain injuries

Medical Research Topics for College Students

You don’t know where to start with your medical research paper? There are so many things you could write about that the greatest challenge is to narrow them down. This is why we decided to help.

• Antibiotics treatments
• Chronic diseases
• Palliative treatment
• Battling Alzheimer’s disease
• How modern lifestyle affects public health
• Professional diseases
• Sleep disorders
• Changes in physical and mental health due to aging
• Eating disorders
• Terminal diseases

Controversial Medical Topics for Research Paper

In healthcare, new discoveries can change people’s lives in the blink of an eye. This is also the reason why there are so many controversial topics in medicine, which involve anything from religion to ethics or social responsibility. Read on to discover our top controversial research topics.

• Implementing food standards
• Gluten allergy
• Assisted suicide for terminal patients
• Testing vaccines on animals – ethical concerns
• Moral responsibilities regarding cloning
• Marijuana legalization for medical purposes
• Abortion – medical approaches
• Vegan diets – benefits and dangers
• Increased life expectancy: a burden on the healthcare system?
• Circumcision effects

Health Research Topics

Students conducting health research struggle with finding good ideas related to their medical interests. If you want to write interesting college papers, you can select a good topic for our list.

• How environmental changes affect human health
• Deafness: communication disorders
• Household air pollution
• Diabetes – a public danger
• Coronaviruses
• Oral health assessment
• Tobacco and alcohol control
• Diseases caused by lack of physical exercise
• How urban pollution affects respiratory diseases
• Healthy diets

Medicine Research Topics

Regardless of the requirements in your research assignment, you can write about something that is both engaging and useful in your future career. Choose a topic from below.

• Causes for the increasing cancer cases
• Insulin resistance
• How terrorism affects mental health
• AIDS/HIV – latest developments
• Treating pregnant women versus non-pregnant women
• Latest innovations in medical instruments
• Genetic engineering
• Successful treatment of mental diseases
• Is autism a disease
• Natural coma versus artificial coma

Healthcare Research Topics

Healthcare research includes political and social aspects, besides medical. For college students who want to explore how medicine is affected by society’s values or principles, we provide examples of topics for papers. Select yours from the list below.

• Government investment in healthcare services in the EU versus the USA
• Inequalities in healthcare assistance and services
• Electronic health records systems – pros and cons
• Can asylums treat mental issues
• Health care for prison inmates
• Equipment for improving treatment of AIDS
• Correlation between economic development and health care services across countries
• Impact of smoking on organs
• Heart attacks – causes and effects
• Breast cancer – recent developments

Public Health Research Topics

For current examples of public health topics, browse our list. We provide only original, researchable examples for which you can easily find supporting data and evidence.

• Public versus private hospitals
• Health care professionals – management principles
• Surgery failures – who is responsible
• What legal responsibilities has the hospital administration
• Patient service quality in public versus private hospitals
• What benefits national health care systems have
• Estimated costs of cancer treatments
• Public health in developing countries
• Banning tobacco ads – importance for public health
• Government solutions to the anti-vaccine’s movement

Mental Health Research Paper Topics

Mental health is one of the most complex areas of medicine, where things are never as clear as with other medical issues. This increases the research potential of the field with plenty of topics left for debate.

• Causes of anxiety disorders
• Bulimia versus anorexia
• Childhood trauma
• Mental health public policies
• Postpartum Depression
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Schizophrenia

Anatomy Research Topics

Anatomy covers everything about the human body and how it works. If you find that intriguing and want to pay for medical research paper, start by selecting a topic.

• Chemotherapy: how it affects the body
• Thyroid glands – functions in the body
• Human endocrine system
• Heart diseases
• How does the human muscular system develop
• Lymphatic system – importance
• Investigating genetic diseases
• Digestive system

Biomedical Research Topics

Biology and medicine often work together. For the newest changes in the biomedical field, check our topics.

• Alzheimer’s disease – paths for treatment
• Vaccines and drug development in the treatment of Ebola
• Antibiotic resistance
• Biological effects caused by aging
• Air pollution effects on health
• Infectious disease past versus present
• Regenerative medicine
• Biomedical diagnostics
• Biomedical technology

Bioethics Research Topics

A controversial area of medicine, bioethics is where you get the chance to add personal input to a research topic and come up with new insights. You could consider these subjects.

• Organ donation
• Alternative or complementary medicine
• Assisted suicide or the right to die
• Artificial insemination or surrogacy
• Chemical and biological warfare
• Contraception
• Environmental bioethics
• In Vitro fertilization

Cancer Research Topics

Are you writing a paper related to cancer causes, diagnosis, treatment or effects? Look below for a hot topic that it’s easy to research and important for medical advance.

• Ability of immune system cells to fight cancer
• Computational oncology
• Metastasis affected by drug resistance
• Stem cells – applications for cancer treatment
• Tumor microenvironment
• Obesity and age in cancer occurrence
• Early cancer detection – benefits
• Artificial intelligence predicting cancer
• Hematologic malignancies
• Pathogen-related cancers

Clinical Research Topics

Learn more about clinical medicine by conducting more in-depth research. We prepared for you a list of relevant issues to touch upon.

• Ethical concerns regarding research on human subjects
• Subject recruitment
• Budget preparation
• Human subject protection
• Clinical trials – financial support
• Clinical practices for health professionals
• Using vulnerable populations in clinical research
• Quality assurance in clinical research
• Academic clinical trials versus clinical trials units
• Data collection and management

Critical Care Research Topics

Critical care is a key area in medical studies. Explore these topics in your research paper to gain more valuable knowledge in this field. You can also get in contact with nursing research paper writers .

• Obesity and asthma – clinical manifestations
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Rhythm analysis for cardiac arrest
• Traumatic brain injury – fluid resuscitation
• Hydrocortisone for multiple trauma patients
• Care and nutrition for critically ill adults
• Diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Coma and sedation scales
• Artificial airways suctioning
• Arterial puncture and arterial line

Pediatric Research Topics

Any topic that refers to health care for children, pregnant women, mothers, and adolescents goes under pediatric care.

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Congenital heart disease in newborns
• Adolescent medicine
• Neonatal medicine
• Rare diseases in children and teenagers
• Obesity and weight fluctuations
• Behavioral sleep problems in children
• Children with anemia

Dental Research Topics Ideas

Choose a topic on oral health or dental care from this list of the most interesting topics in the field.

• How smoking affects oral health
• Children’s risk for dental caries
• Dental anxiety
• Types of dental materials – new advances
• Bad breath bacteria
• How diabetes affects oral health
• Oral cancer
• Dental pain – types, causes
• Dental implants
• Oral health-related quality of life

Dermatology Research Topics

Find the best research topic for your dermatology paper among our examples.

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Epidemiology behind uncommon skin disorders
• Cutaneous aging
• Risk factors of melanoma skin cancer
• Acne versus rosacea
• Genetic testing for skin conditions
• Effects of cosmetic agents on skin health
• Improving skin barrier with pharmaceutical agents
• Skin manifestations of autoimmune disorders

Primary Care Research Topics

Write a primary care paper that can demonstrate your research skills and interest in powerful scientific findings.

• Primary care for vulnerable/uninsured populations
• Interpersonal continuity in care treatment
• How primary care contributes to health systems
• Primary care delivery models
• Developments in family medicine
• Occupational/environmental health
• Pharmacotherapy approaches
• Formal allergy testing
• Oral contraception side effects
• Dietary or behavioral interventions for obesity management

Pharmaceutical Research Topics

Pharma students who need paper topics can use one from our list. We include all things related to pharmacy life.

• Drugs that can treat cancer
• Drug excretion
• Elimination rate constant
• Inflammatory stress drug treatment
• Aspirin poising
• Ibuprofen – dangers versus benefits
• Toxicodynamics
• Opioid use disorder
• Pharmacotherapy for schizophrenia
• Ketamine in depression treatment

Medical Anthropology Research Topics

Medical anthropology unites different areas of human knowledge. Find powerful ideas for a paper below.

• Cultural contexts regarding reproductive health
• Women sexuality
• Anthropological aspects of health care
• Contributions of social sciences to public health
• Euthanasia and medical ethics across cultures
• Health-related behavior in adults across cultures
• Transcultural nursing
• Forensic psychiatry
• Symptoms of Celiac Disease – a disease with no symptoms
• Nursing ethics

Paramedic Research Paper Topics

Topics for paramedic research must be based on evidence, data, statistics, or practical experience. Just like ours.

• Trends and statistics in EMS
• Disaster medicine
• Mass casualties
• Pandemics and epidemics
• Infection control
• Basic versus advanced life support
• Scene safety in EMS
• Shock management
• Motor vehicle accidents

Surgery Research Topics

Discover all the intricacies of surgeries that save lives by writing about our topics.

• Medical malpractice and legal issues
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• Pain management
• Perioperative nursing
• Wound management
• Colorectal cancer surgery
• Breast cancer surgery
• Minimally invasive surgeries
• Vascular disease

Radiology Research Paper Topics

Find a radiology topic related to your academic interests to write a successful paper.

• Using MRI to diagnose hepatic focal lesions
• Multidetector computer tomography
• Ultrasound elastography in breast cancer
• Assessing traumatic spinal cord injuries with MRI diffusion tensor imaging
• Sonographic imaging to detect male infertility
• Role of tomography in diagnosing cancer
• Brain tumor surgery with magnetic resonance imaging
• Bacterial meningitis imaging

Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics

Any ideas for a medical research paper? We have included the most important topics for an anatomy and physiology paper.

• What role has the endocrine system
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Environmental factors that affect development of human muscular system
• What role has the lymphatic system
• An investigation of genetic diseases
• Explaining the aging process
• The digestive tract
• Effects of stress on cells and muscles
• Evolution of the human nervous system
• What role has the cardiovascular system

Healthcare Management Research Paper Topics

There are numerous topics you could write about when it comes to healthcare management. There’s a wide range of options to pick, from infrastructure, staff, and financial management to HR and patient management. Here are some of the top healthcare management research paper options.

• Medical talent acquisition and retention
• Best methods for enhancing preventative care measures
• The role of telemedicine in reinventing healthcare management
• Patient care and the ability to pay for healthcare
• Mid-level healthcare providers in the emergency department
• The opioid crisis: policies and programs
• Urgent care and walk-in clinics
• Hospital emergency management plan during an epidemic
• Hospital records management and patient privacy
• Financial crises: challenges and opportunities

Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics

Medical ethics is a field that opens the door to numerous compelling topics for research papers. Here are some of the most appealing ones you could tackle.

• Clinical research on humans
• Vaccines and immunization
• Religious beliefs in healthcare
• Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide
• Ethical issues across cultures
• Amniocentesis or prenatal birth defect testing
• Medical malpractice and going back to work
• Racial and ethnic preferences and perceptions in organ donations
• Racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare
• Ethical concerns of AI in healthcare

If you need further assistance with your medical research paper, PapersOwl is here for you. Our expert writers can provide you with top-notch research and help you write an impressive paper. Contact us anytime, pick your writer, tell them more about your topic, and get a unique, plagiarism-free research paper with impeccable grammar and formatting.

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May 28, 2024

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Binge-eating disorder not as transient as previously thought

by McLean Hospital

Binge-eating disorder is the most prevalent eating disorder in the United States, but previous studies have presented conflicting views of the disorder's duration and the likelihood of relapse. A new five-year study led by investigators from McLean Hospital, a member of the Mass General Brigham health care system, showed that 61% and 45% of individuals still experienced binge-eating disorder 2.5 and 5 years after their initial diagnoses, respectively. These results contradict previous prospective studies that documented faster remission times, according to the authors.

"The big takeaway is that binge-eating disorder does improve with time, but for many people it lasts years," said first author Kristin Javaras, DPhil, Ph.D., assistant psychologist in the Division of Women's Mental Health at McLean.

"As a clinician , oftentimes the clients I work with report many, many years of binge-eating disorder, which felt very discordant with studies that suggested that it was a transient disorder. It's very important to understand how long binge-eating disorder lasts and how likely people are to relapse so that we can better provide better care."

The results were published May 28 in Psychological Medicine .

Binge-eating disorder, which is estimated to impact somewhere between 1% and 3% of U.S. adults, is characterized by episodes during which people feel a loss of control over their eating. The average age of onset is 25 years.

While previous retrospective studies, which rely on people's sometimes-faulty memories, have reported that binge-eating disorder lasts seven to sixteen years on average, prospective studies tracking individuals with the disorder over time have suggested that many individuals with the disorder enter remission within a much smaller timeframe—from one to two years.

However, the researchers noted that most previous prospective studies had limitations, including a small sample size (<50 participants), and they were not representative because they focused only on adolescent or young-adult females, most of whom had BMIs less than 30, whereas around two-thirds of individuals with binge-eating disorder have BMIs of 30 or more.

To better understand the time-course of binge-eating disorder, the researchers followed 137 adult community members with the disorder for five years. Participants, who ranged in age from 19 to 74 and had an average BMI of 36, were assessed for binge-eating disorder at the beginning of the study and re-examined 2.5 and 5 years later.

After five years, most of the study participants still experienced binge-eating episodes, though many showed improvements. After 2.5 years, 61% of participants still met the full criteria for binge-eating disorder at the time the study was conducted, and a further 23% experienced clinically significant symptoms, although they were below the threshold for binge-eating disorder.

After 5 years, 46% of participants met the full criteria and a further 33% experienced clinically significant but sub-threshold symptoms. Notably, 35% of the individuals who were in remission at the 2.5-year follow-up had relapsed to either full or sub-threshold binge-eating disorder at the 5-year follow-up.

The criteria for diagnosing binge-eating disorder have changed since the study was conducted, and Javaras notes that under the new guidelines, an even larger percentage of the study's participants would have been diagnosed with the disorder at the 2.5 and 5-year follow-ups.

Javaras added that because participants in the study were community members who may or may not have been receiving treatment, rather than patients enrolled in a treatment program, the study's results are more representative of binge-eating disorder's natural time-course.

When comparing this community sample to those in treatment studies, treatment appeared to lead to faster remission, suggesting that people with binge-eating disorders will benefit from intervention. There are major inequities in who receives treatment for eating disorders, according to Javaras.

Though there was variation among participants in the likelihood of remission and how long it took, the researchers were unable to find any strong clinical or demographic predictors for duration of the disorder.

"This suggests that no one is much less or more likely to get better than anyone else," said Javaras.

Since the study ended, the researchers have been investigating and developing treatment options for binge-eating disorder, and examining screening methods to better identify individuals who would benefit from treatment.

"We are studying binge-eating disorder with neuroimaging to get a better understanding of the neurobiology involved, which could help enhance or develop new treatments," said Javaras.

"We are also examining ways to catch people earlier, because many don't even realize they have binge-eating disorder , and there is a major need for increased awareness and screening so that intervention can begin earlier."

The corresponding author of the study was Javaras, DPhil Ph.D. (McLean). Additional co-authors included Victoria F. Franco, MS(McLean), Boyu Ren, Ph.D.(McLean) Cynthia M Bulik, Ph.D. (UNC), Scott J. Crow, MD (UMN), Susan L. McElroy, MD (UCCOM); Harrison G. Pope, Jr MD, MPH (McLean), James I. Hudson, MD, ScD (McLean)

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• Preventing Chronic Diseases: What You Can Do Now
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• Chronic Disease Data
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Fast Facts: Health and Economic Costs of Chronic Conditions

At a glance.

Chronic diseases account for most illness, disability, and deaths in the United States and are the leading drivers of health care costs.

The impact of chronic diseases in America

Ninety percent of the nation's $4.5 trillion in annual health care expenditures are for people with chronic and mental health conditions. 1 2 Interventions to prevent and manage these diseases have significant health and economic benefits .

Heart disease and stroke

Nothing kills more Americans than heart disease and stroke . More than 934,500 Americans die of heart disease or stroke every year—that's more than 1 in 4 deaths. 3 These diseases take an economic toll, as well, costing our health care system $251 billion per year and causing $156 billion in lost productivity on the job. Costs from cardiovascular diseases are projected to top $1 trillion by 2035. 3

See the health and economic benefits of high blood pressure interventions .

Each year in the United States, 1.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer , and more than 600,000 die from it, making it the second leading cause of death. The cost of cancer care continues to rise and is expected to reach more than $240 billion by 2030. 4

See the health and economic benefits of interventions for breast cancer , cervical cancer , colorectal cancer , and skin cancer .

More than 38 million Americans have diabetes , and another 98 million adults in the United States have prediabetes, which puts them at risk for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can cause serious complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness. In 2022, the total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes was $413 billion in medical costs and lost productivity. 5

See the health and economic benefits of diabetes interventions .

Obesity affects 20% of children and 42% of adults, putting them at risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Over 25% of young people aged 17 to 24 are too heavy to join the U.S. military. Obesity costs the U.S. health care system nearly $173 billion a year. 6

Arthritis affects 53.2 million adults in the United States, which is about 1 in 5 adults. 7 It is a leading cause of work disability in the United States, one of the most common chronic conditions, and a leading cause of chronic pain. Arthritis costs appear to be increasing and were estimated at over $600 billion in 2019. 8 9

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease , a type of dementia, is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that affects nearly 7 million Americans, including 1 in 9 adults aged 65 and older. Two-thirds of these older adults (4.1 million) are women. Deaths due to Alzheimer's disease more than doubled between 2000 and 2019, increasing 145%. The cost of caring for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias was an estimated $345 billion in 2023, with projected increases to nearly $1 trillion (in today's dollars) by 2050. 10

In the United States, about 3 million adults and about half a million children and teens younger than 18 have active epilepsy —meaning that they have been diagnosed by a doctor, had a recent seizure, or both. Adults with epilepsy report worse mental health, more cognitive impairment, and barriers in social participation compared to adults without epilepsy. In 2019, total health care costs (epilepsy-attributable and other health-related costs) for noninstitutionalized people with epilepsy was $13.4 billion, of which $5.4 billion were directly attributable to epilepsy. 11

Tooth decay

Cavities (also called tooth decay) are one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. One in six children aged 6 to 11 years and 1 in 4 adults have untreated cavities. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems eating, speaking, and learning. On average, 34 million school hours are lost each year because of unplanned (emergency) dental care, and almost $46 billion is lost in productivity due to dental disease. 12 13

See the health and economic benefits of oral disease interventions .

Risk Factors

Cigarette smoking.

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. More than 16 million Americans have at least one disease caused by smoking. This amounts to more than $240 billion in health care spending that could be reduced every year if we could prevent young people from starting to smoke and help every person who smokes quit. 14

See the health and economic benefits of tobacco use interventions .

Physical inactivity

Not getting enough physical activity comes with high health and financial costs. It can lead to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and obesity. 15 Physical inactivity also costs the nation $117 billion a year for related health care. 16

Excessive alcohol use

Excessive alcohol use is responsible for 140,000 deaths in the United States each year, including 1 in 5 deaths among adults aged 20 to 49 years. 17 18 Binge drinking is responsible for over 40% these deaths. 17 In 2010, excessive alcohol use cost the U.S. economy $249 billion, or $2.05 a drink, and $2 of every $5 of these costs were paid by the public. 19 Three-quarters of these costs were due to binge drinking.

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• National health expenditure data: historical. Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Updated December 13, 2023. Accessed February 6, 2024. https://www.cms.gov/data-research/statistics-trends-and-reports/national-health-expenditure-data/historical
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Multiple Cause of Death 1999–2019 on CDC WONDER Online Database website. http://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10.html . Accessed February 1, 2023.
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• Ward ZJ, Bleich SN, Long MW, Gortmaker SL. Association of body mass index with health care expenditures in the United States by age and sex. PLoS One . 2021;16(3):e0247307.
• Fallon EA, Boring MA, Foster AL, et al. Prevalence of diagnosed arthritis—United States, 2019–2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep . 2023;72:1101–1107.
• Murphy LB, Cisternas MG, Pasta DJ, Helmick CG, Yelin EH. Medical expenditures and earnings losses among US adults with arthritis in 2013. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) . 2018;70(6):869–876.
• Lo J, Chan L, Flynn S. A systematic review of the incidence, prevalence, costs, and activity and work limitations of amputation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke, and traumatic brain injury in the United States: a 2019 Update. Arch Phys Med Rehabil . 2021;102(1):115–131.
• Alzheimer's Association. 2023 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimers Dement . 2023;19(4).
• Moura LMVR, Karakis I, Zack MM, Tian N, Kobau R, Howard D. Drivers of US health care spending for persons with seizures and/or epilepsies, 2010-2018. Epilepsia . 2022;63(8):2144–2154.
• Righolt AJ, Jevdjevic M, Marcenes W Listl S. Global-, regional-, and country-level economic impacts of dental diseases. J Dent Res. 2018;97(5):501–507.
• Naavaal S, Kelekar U. Hours lost due to planned and unplanned dental visits among US adults. Health Behav Policy Rev. 2018;5(2):66–73.
• Xu X, Shrestha SS, Trivers KF, Neff L, Armour BS, King BA. U.S. healthcare spending attributable to cigarette smoking in 2014. Prev Med . 2021;150:106529.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Step It Up! The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities . Office of the Surgeon General; 2015.
• Carlson SA, Fulton JE, Pratt M, Yang Z, Adams EK. Inadequate physical activity and health care expenditures in the United States . Prog Cardiovasc Dis . 2015;57:315–323.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI).
• Esser MB, Leung G, Sherk A, et al. Estimated deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use among US adults aged 20 to 64 years, 2015 to 2019. JAMA Netw Open . 2022;5(11):e2239485. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.39485
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How Neanderthal language differed from modern human—they probably didn't use metaphors

by Steven Mithen, The Conversation

The Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) fascinate researchers and the general public alike. They remain central to debates about the nature of the genus Homo (the broad biological classification that humans and their relatives fall into). Neanderthals are also vital for understanding the uniqueness or otherwise of our species, Homo sapiens.

We shared an ancestor with the Neanderthals around 600,000 years ago. They evolved in Europe while we did so in Africa, before dispersing multiple times into Eurasia. The Neanderthals became extinct around 40,000 years ago. We populated the world and continue to flourish. Whether that different outcome is a consequence of differences in language and thought has been long debated.

But the evidence points to key differences in the brains of our species and those of Neanderthals that allowed modern humans (H. sapiens) to come up with abstract and complex ideas through metaphor—the ability to compare two unrelated things. For this to happen, our species had to diverge from the Neanderthals in our brain architecture .

Some experts interpret the skeletal and archaeological evidence as indicating profound differences. Others believe there were none. And some take the middle ground .

Disagreement is not surprising when trying to infer such intangibles from material remains such as bones and artifacts. The evidence is piecemeal and ambiguous, providing us with a complex puzzle for how, when and why language evolved. Fortunately, recent discoveries in archaeology and other disciplines have added several new pieces to this language puzzle, enabling a viable picture of the Neanderthal mind to emerge.

New anatomical evidence indicates the Neanderthals had vocal tracts and auditory pathways not significantly different to our own, indicating that, from an anatomical perspective, they were as capable as us at communicating through speech . The discovery of Neanderthal genes in our own species indicates multiple episodes of interbreeding, which implies effective inter-species communication and social relationships.

The discovery of Neanderthal wooden spears, and the use of resins for making tools from separate components, have also enhanced our views of their technical skills . Pendants made from bird talons and the likely use of feathers as body adornments are claimed as examples of symbolism, along with geometric engravings on stone and bone .

Cave painters?

The most striking claim is that Neanderthals made art, painting red pigment on cave walls in Spain . But several of these cave art claims remain problematic. The evidence for Neanderthal cave art is compromised by unresolved methodological issues and is unlikely to be correct, in my view.

Rapidly accumulating evidence for the pre-40,000-year presence of modern humans in Europe challenges the idea that Neanderthals made these geometric designs, or at least that they did so prior to the influence of the symbol-using modern humans. However well-crafted, a wooden spear is little more than a pointed stick, and evidence of technological progress is absent throughout the entirety of Neanderthal existence.

While the archaeological evidence remains contested, that from neuroscience and genetics provides a compelling case for linguistic and cognitive differences between H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens.

A 3D digital reconstruction of the Neanderthal brain, created by deforming that of H. sapiens and fitting it into a cast of the brain (endocast) from a Neanderthal, indicates significant differences in structure . The Neanderthals had a relatively large occipital lobe, devoting more brain matter to visual processing and making less available for other tasks such as language.

They also had a relatively small and differently shaped cerebellum. This sub-cortical structure, which is packed with neurons, contributes to many tasks including language processing, speaking and fluency . The uniquely spherical shape of the modern human brain evolved after the first Homo sapiens had appeared at 300,000 years ago.

Some of the genetic mutations associated with that development are associated with neuronal development and how neurons are connected in the brain. The authors of a comprehensive study of all mutations known to be unique to H. sapiens (as of 2019) concluded that "modifications of a complex network in cognition or learning took place in modern human evolution."

Iconic words

While such evidence has been accumulating, our understanding of language has also changed. Three developments are of particular significance. First is the 2016 discovery via brain scanning that we store words, or rather the concepts we associate with words, throughout both brain hemispheres and in clusters , or semantic groups, of similar concepts in the brain. This is significant because, as we'll see, the way these clusters of ideas are connected—or not—was probably different between H. sapiens and Neanderthals.

Second is the recognition that iconic sounds—those that provide a sensory impression of the thing they represent—had provided the evolutionary bridge between ape-like calls of our common ancestor of 6 million years ago and the first words spoken by Homo —though we're not sure which species that was.

Iconic words remain pervasive in languages today , capturing aspects of the sound, size, movement and texture of the concept the word represents. This contrasts with words that are only arbitrarily related to the thing they refer to. For example, a canine can equally be called a dog, chien or hund—none of which provide a sensory impression of the animal.

Third, computer simulation models of language transmission between generations have shown that syntax—consistent rules for how words are ordered to generate meaning— can spontaneously emerge . This shift of emphasis from genetic encoding of syntax to spontaneous emergence suggests that both H.sapiens and Neanderthal language contained these rules.

The key difference

While it may be possible to join the puzzle pieces in several different ways, my long wrestle with the multi-disciplinary evidence has found only one solution. This begins with iconic words being spoken by the ancient human species Homo erectus around 1.6 million years ago.

As these types of words were transmitted from generation to generation, arbitrary words and rules of syntax emerged, providing the early Neanderthals and H. sapiens with equivalent linguistic and cognitive capacities.

But these diverged as both species continued to evolve. The H. sapiens brain developed its spherical form with neural networks connecting what had been isolated semantic clusters of words. These remained isolated in the Neanderthal brain. So, while H. sapiens and Neanderthals had equivalent capacity for iconic words and syntax, they appear to have differed with respect to storing ideas in semantic clusters in the brain.

By linking up different clusters in the brain that are responsible for storing groups of concepts, our species gained the capacity to think and communicate using metaphor. This allowed modern humans to draw a line between widely different concepts and ideas.

This was arguably the most important of our cognitive tools, enabling us to come up with complex and abstract concepts . While iconic words and syntax were shared between H. sapiens and Neanderthals, metaphor transformed the language, thought and culture of our species, creating a deep divide with the Neanderthals. They went extinct, while we populated the world and continue to flourish.

Provided by The Conversation

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