Lack of Expert Research Mentorship and Publication Culture among Undergraduate Physical Therapy Programs in Pakistan

Abstract

Dear Editor, I wish to bring attention to a glaring void in the undergraduate physical therapy education system in Pakistan; the absence of structured research mentorship and a stagnant culture of scientific publication among Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. While research projects or theses are formally required components of the curriculum, the actual implementation of research training is fragmented, superficial, and in many institutions, purely procedural. In an era where evidence-based practice (EBP) defines clinical excellence and professional credibility, the inability of our students to conduct meaningful research, engage in critical thinking, or contribute to scientific literature places our profession at a serious disadvantage both locally and internationally.