My Experience with Meta-Analysis Academy (Batch VIII) – An Honest Review

I first came across the Meta-Analysis Academy through a YouTube/Instagram ad while I was doing my international bariatric surgery fellowship back in 2025. What caught my attention wasn't the hype, but the actual track record. Medical students and consultants publishing in high-impact journals after going through the program? That kind of credibility made me take notice, so I signed up for Batch VIII.

A lot of people join to strengthen their US residency applications, and I get that. But my reason was different. I already had about 10 publications, mostly cohort studies and case reports. What I didn't have was a solid grasp of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Honestly, I used to think that kind of work was reserved for statisticians or epidemiologists. I never thought a clinician like me could learn it properly.

The Academy completely changed that. The course starts from zero and builds up in a way that feels doable even if you're a complete beginner. The online modules are self-paced, and the weekly live sessions keep you accountable. What I valued most were the tutoring sessions after each class. You could ask specific questions about your own paper, even if you were already working ahead. That kind of support was a game changer.

As a consultant now practicing full-time in Cebu, Philippines, this course shifted how I approach research entirely. I learned how to assess risk of bias, read funnel plots, apply GRADE, and generate forest plots. I got comfortable with RevMan Web, JASP, RAYYAN, plot digitizers, and a few AI tools as well. More importantly, I finally understand which statistical tests to use and why. That alone made the course worth it.

After finishing the 10-week program, I completed two meta-analysis papers. Both are now under peer review in reputable journals. One highlight I didn't expect: I received a $2,500 scholarship to present at IFSO 2026 in Toronto for my meta-analysis work. I think I'm the first from Cebu, and possibly the first from the Philippines, to get that award. The Academy also opened doors for collaboration. A group of students from Pakistan invited me to be their senior author, and I currently have about four more projects lined up. Coming up with research ideas doesn't feel difficult anymore; it feels like a natural next step.

The tuition was fair too. I paid in installments, which made it easier, and I still have access to past recordings whenever I need a refresher.

Would I recommend this to others? 100%. Whether you're a student building your CV or a consultant wanting to level up your research skills, this program delivers real value.

To Professor Rhanderson Cardoso and the whole Meta-Analysis Academy team: thank you for putting together such a solid program. It was genuinely worth it, and I hope to meet you all in person one day.