Research incubator: Otolaryngology Innovation and Research Seedbed (OIRS)

Description:

The Otolaryngology Innovation and Research Seedbed (OIRS) at Universidad del Rosario emerged as an academic initiative of the Otolaryngology Interest Group (ORLIG), under the mentorship and guidance of Dr. Nelson Alexis Delgado Salazar and Dr. Shirley Ramírez. Its purpose is to strengthen the research training of undergraduate medical students interested in the field of otolaryngology through an educational, collaborative, and interdisciplinary space.

The seedbed seeks to enable students to apply and expand the knowledge acquired during their medical education through the formulation, development, and resolution of clinical and scientific hypotheses derived from academic practice, clinical observation, and prevalent otolaryngological health problems. It integrates areas such as otology, rhinology, laryngology, phoniatrics, head and neck surgery, and related fields, promoting a comprehensive patient-centered perspective, evidence-based clinical reasoning, and critical analysis of scientific literature.

Likewise, OIRS is projected as an early immersion platform for research, focused on the formulation, execution, and dissemination of projects related to diagnosis, pathophysiology, therapeutic approaches, prevention, clinical and surgical innovation, quality of life, and public health, with special emphasis on the needs of the Colombian and Latin American context.

Objectives:

1. To expand medical students’ knowledge in otolaryngology through active immersion in research processes based on the foundations acquired during their academic training.
2. To encourage the formulation of relevant research questions derived from frequent and clinically significant problems encountered in otolaryngological practice.
3. To promote the active participation of students in research projects led by ORLIG, as well as the development of new research initiatives.
4. To develop basic and applied research competencies, including scientific literature search and critical analysis, hypothesis formulation, methodological design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
5. To strengthen academic communication skills through the preparation of abstracts, posters, oral presentations, and scientific manuscripts.
6. To establish interinstitutional collaborations with otolaryngology departments, university hospitals, research groups, and national and international academic networks.
7. To promote ethical training in research, emphasizing social responsibility, respect for patients, and scientific rigor.
8. To encourage the dissemination of the seedbed’s academic and research outputs through conferences, academic meetings, scientific journals, and student research forums.
9. To develop student leadership and collaborative teamwork through peer mentorship and the continuity of projects in the medium and long term.
10. To contribute to critical reflection on the main challenges in otolaryngological health in Colombia and worldwide.

Research lines or active projects:

1. Otology, neurotology, and balance disorders
2. Sleep-related breathing disorders
3. Laryngology
4. Rhinology and paranasal sinuses
5. Skull base