Every year, the Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) sponsors a symposium that showcases the research of current students, career trajectories of alumni, and the advice of successful physician-scientists.
On Friday, October 19th, 2018, the 2018 retreat began with a rousing poster session at noon in the Scaife Hall Auditorium Lobby. Twenty-one Current PSTP students presented their innovative and exciting research to nearly 200 fellow students, faculty, and staff.
At the conclusion of the poster session, PSTP director, Dr. Richard Steinman, presented a State of the Program address. Dr. Steinman’s talk focused on the short-term and long-term goals of the PSTP.
Following Dr. Steinman’s presentation and concluding the afternoon programming, 2015 PSTP graduate and current Johns Hopkins fellow, Erica Nakajima, discussed how the PSTP helped her develop a top-shelf research skillset that successfully prepared her for a career in basic science research.
The symposium dinner, occurring at the elegant Elizabethan Mansions on Fifth Hotel (5105 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232), was highlighted by two inspiring speeches. Firstly, the PSTP community heard a keynote address from Dr. Mark Gladwin, the Chair of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Gladwin discussed generational challenges and innovation opportunities important for young physician-scientists to consider. The evening concluded with a short presentation from surgeon-scientist, Dr. Samer Tohme, concerning his path from medical school to a research career.
The retreat was planned by current PSTP students Anthony Schulien, Alicia Mizes, and James O’Brien. The 2018 PSTP retreat represented a wonderful opportunity for the PSTP community to reflect on their efforts and prepare for a productive 2019!