Guide to Writing a Medical Dissertation 2024

Comprehensive Guide to Crafting a Medical Dissertation in 2024

Medical studies encompass a wide array of human processes, ranging from developmental stages to the body’s anatomical functions. When pursuing a graduate or postgraduate medical degree, students are required to complete a research project known as a medical dissertation. A well-crafted thesis explores a novel research question that is thoroughly investigated and formulated. Recently, there has been a notable surge in the number of medical students. According to data from the Medical School Council (MSC):

  • There has been a remarkable increase in the number of medical students, with a total of 14,500 graduates each year, out of which 5,000 represent the growing student body. As per a report by Statista, published on November 30, 2023,
  • In 2021, the UK had 8,835 individuals holding medical degrees. By 2022, this number had risen by 305, reaching a total of 9,140, reflecting a 3.54% increase.

Students are increasingly showcasing their research abilities by writing independent dissertations, addressing fundamental solutions to emerging issues. Despite challenges like procrastination and writer’s block, students find the process demanding. Topics such as data collection, tight deadlines, and distractions can hinder the dissertation process, prompting students to seek assistance from online dissertation experts. Skilled writers offer well-researched, edited, and innovative dissertations, carefully following the provided guidelines.

This guide provides an understanding of medical terminology and essential components to include in a dissertation.

Understanding Medical Terminology

Medical terminology refers to the language used to describe medical processes, which includes

  • Components,
  • Processes,
  • Conditions,
  • Medical procedures for treatment.

Medical terminology forms the foundation of the entire healthcare system, and students are taught this language to ensure effective communication in care delivery. Obtaining medical language certification is crucial for graduate programs. Similarly, students writing a medical dissertation must adhere to medical terminology. The field encompasses various terms related to cancer, blood pressure, and mental health. Here are a few examples of such terminology:

Top Medical Dissertation Topics for 2024

Writing a medical dissertation can be a challenging task. Finding a detailed and comprehensive topic requires considerable effort. To assist scholars, we have compiled a list of innovative topics. Here are some of the trending topics:

  1. Investigating the Impact of Second-Hand Smoke on Cardiovascular Health.
  2. Exploring the Ethics and Effectiveness of Creating Artificial Tissues.
  3. Studying the Link Between Pollution and Asthma in Children.
  4. Examining the Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety in Developed Nations.
  5. Assessing the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cancer Diagnosis.

How to Write a Medical Dissertation: 8 Key Elements

A medical dissertation is a thorough academic document grounded in original research. It is primarily written to construct a strong argument and suggest effective solutions. The standard structure usually follows IMRaD – an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.

Plus, several crucial elements contribute to a professional-looking dissertation. Following the right set of guidelines can help you submit a flawless dissertation. Some of these key components include:

Title Page

Ensure that you follow the guidelines and instructions provided by the Declaration and Approval Committee. The title page is the first page of your dissertation and should include the following elements:

  • Title of the dissertation
  • Your name
  • Name of your department
  • Degree program
  • Date of submission
  • Supervisor’s name
  • University or institute logo
  • Student identification number

For example, you can create a well-organised title page by presenting a professional look throughout your dissertation structure as follows:

[Dissertation Title:]

[Subtitle]

[Author’s Full Name]

[Department and Educational Institution (Affiliation)]

[Course Code and Name]

[Supervisor’s Name (with Professional Titles)]

[Submission Date]

Acknowledgments

Including acknowledgments in your medical dissertation is optional. In this section, you can express gratitude to those who helped you during your dissertation journey. This may include fellow students, supervisors, colleagues, and family members. Including this section reflects a positive attitude and a sense of recognition.

Abstract

The abstract offers a concise overview of the dissertation, highlighting the objectives and results of the research. According to the University of Wisconsin, the standard length of an abstract should be between 150-250 words. It should cover the following:

  • The purpose of your research
  • Background and context of the investigation
  • Research methods used
  • Conclusions drawn from your medical dissertation ideas

Note that this section helps readers decide whether to read the rest of your dissertation. Keep it concise, focused, and highly subject-oriented. This will help readers extract the arguments, analysis, and detailed information from your paper.

It’s advisable to seek guidance from your supervisors to ensure you follow the correct format. Additionally, they can assist you in organising your ideas in a logical sequence for successful approval.

Introduction

The introduction is the first chapter of a medical dissertation, but experts often suggest writing it last. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of your ideas, information, and the logical flow of your research.

Generally, each institution recommends a specific length. For example, the University of Wolver Hampton suggests writing an introduction of 800 to 1000 words, which should be 10% of the entire dissertation. A well-crafted introduction should include the following:

  1. Provide background and contextual information related to your medical research. For instance, if you are researching cancer treatment, provide details from diagnosis to treatment.
  2. Clearly state the scope and purpose of your research, narrowing down the topic.
  3. Explain the relevance of your work in the context of current debates or arguments.
  4. Mention all research questions, ideas, and statements, and provide answers to justify them.
  5. Provide a brief overview of the entire dissertation structure.

Make your introduction engaging and relevant to the medical field. Use statistical and numerical data to capture the reader’s attention. By reading this chapter, your reader should gain a clear understanding of why, what, and how the study will proceed.

Literature Review

The literature review critically evaluates the relevance of your work in relation to previous studies. When writing a literature review for your medical dissertation, address the gaps in prior research. Develop a coherent and argumentative statement to provide a clear and valid justification for your research.

For example, if your topic is the use of nanoparticles in cancer treatment, review the relevant work by other researchers on this subject. Consult academic journals, books, articles, and case studies. Critically examine each source of information and address research gaps. A well-structured literature review should include:

  • Identification of research gaps
  • Proposing new theoretical and methodological approaches
  • Suggesting innovative and beneficial solutions to existing problems
  • Establishing the compatibility of existing knowledge with new data

Methodology

In your medical dissertation, the methodology section should identify the techniques to be applied in the study. The methods chosen here make this chapter open to your readers to judge its validity and reliability. A standard format for an effective methodology should include:

A summary of the general approach, style, or kind of research: qualitative, quantitative, experimental, ethnographic, and so on.

Techniques of data collection, including interviews, lab, experiments, questionnaires, and records.

An account of tools employed during the experiment, such as laboratory equipment, reagents, and equipment. For instance, when reporting a study involving cancer treatment leveraging nanoparticles, explain how polyline dendrimers are employed to disintegrate solid tumours. Describe the convergent and divergent strategies of formation of the polyline dendrimers.

The methods have to be described in such a way that readers can obtain useful data from them easily. A description of the measures to take to ensure that the data provided are accurate.

Results and Discussion

In some studies, there is only one chapter dedicated to results and discussion, while in other cases, there will be individual chapters for both. This depends on the set guidelines from your institution. In this chapter, make your findings known to your readers. Provide the important information, tables, and figures to address the research questions outlined. Moreover, identify and explain the major findings of the study critically. Consider the strengths and limitations of the research.

To justify your research, explain how your findings link to previous studies. You can also include suggestions for future research. This chapter should exhibit a logical pattern that integrates all the previous chapters. The University of Detroit Mercy offers the following recommendations:

  • Ensure that the results written are simple, precise, and unambiguous.
  • Use a chronological pattern when explaining the results. Engage inferential and statistical outputs.
  • Use figures to make information conspicuous and recognisable.
  • Critically assess the theoretical issues and constraints relevant to your study.

Conclusion

Before writing the conclusion of a medical dissertation, the writer should give a brief restatement of the thesis. Answer the research question and explain what you have done and how that was done. Why your particular research is important, and in what areas it can be useful? This section should also be brief and identify variables that might be of interest for further investigations. To write a strong conclusion, consider the following points:

  • Reiterate the significance of the research topic.
  • Clarify misconceptions posed by the opposing arguments.
  • Offer prospects for further research in the future.

Writing a conclusion for your dissertation should be brief and informative. Make your readers understand how your research will be relevant. In two or three sentences, provide the significance and findings or conclusions to particular topics or issues and recommendations. Preserve a formal vocabulary that will maximise the audience’s understanding of the text. It is mandatory to invent cohesive connections such as “However,” “Whereas,” “Despite this,” “Therefore,” “Furthermore,” etc.

References

It is conventional and the last chapter of a medical dissertation, which lists down all the sources used in the project. List all the sources of information relating to the articles, journals, books, and so on in alphabetical form. The number of references should range from 20-50 according to the topic of research that has been set. Make sure all the other sources used are referenced as required by the university to avoid plagiarism.

For instance, when writing a dissertation on cancer, include references to treatment, impacts, and all that. Different reference styles, such as Harvard, APA, MLA, etc., can also be used.

Appendices

The last part of the writing is the appendices section, which comprises all supporting documents for your research. This includes figures, illustrations, photographs, analysis, questionnaires, and other categories of collected primary data. Appendices are used to present further descriptions, analyses, and rationalisations.

Therefore, it is important not to make the appendix section exceed more than 10% of the overall writing of the dissertation. Number all your appendices and make references to the same in your dissertation.

How Help Academic can assist you in crafting a Medical Dissertation in 2024

If you’re overwhelmed by your medical dissertation? Don’t stress—Help Academic is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting with your Dissertation Proposal or need expert Medical Dissertation Tips and Strategies, we’ve got you covered. We specialise in Qualitative Dissertations, Nursing Student Assessment and Evaluation, and Advanced Medical Research Writing. Our team ensures that your Medical Dissertation is perfectly formatted and that your Literature Review is comprehensive. With Academic Help from us, you’ll be well-equipped to create a dissertation that’s not only academically strong but also impactful in the medical field.

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