Purpose
Institutional stratification in medical education significantly influences access to resources, opportunities, and representation, shaping the production and dissemination of scholarship. This study aims to explore how disparities in institutional resources and prestige affect scholarly productivity, collaboration, and innovation in medical education research.

Methods
A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with undergraduate medical students, educators, researchers, and administrators from institutions with varying levels of resources and funding opportunities in India. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure diverse perspectives. Data were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically to identify key patterns and themes related to institutional stratification's impact on collaboration and scholarship in medical education.

Results
Participants highlighted significant disparities in access to research funding, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities. Resource-rich institutions were reported to dominate scholarly outputs due to better infrastructure, larger research networks, and increased visibility in academic forums. Conversely, participants from institutions without funding faced challenges such as restricted funding or individual funding, and fewer opportunities for international or cross-institutional collaboration. Despite these barriers, participants identified strategies to promote equitable collaboration, including creating shared research networks, mentorship programs, and open-access platforms to democratize knowledge dissemination. Many expressed optimism that fostering cross-institutional partnerships could reduce stratification's impact on scholarship and innovation.

Conclusion
Institutional stratification significantly shapes the dynamics of collaboration and scholarship in medical education, often perpetuating inequities. However, systemic reforms, including equitable funding mechanisms, cross-institutional collaborations, and inclusive platforms for research dissemination, can bridge these gaps. Promoting equity in medical education scholarship is essential for fostering diverse contributions and innovations that reflect the broader healthcare community's needs. Future efforts should focus on implementing and evaluating these strategies to mitigate the ripple effects of stratification on medical education research.