Medical Students Show Off Their Summer Research
After a few snow storms delays, BUSM’s second year medical students finally got the chance on Monday, Feb. 23 to share the research they conducted over the summer through the Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP).
During the summer of 2014, 22 students participated in the program. Organized through the Office of Enrichment and supported by longtime donor Jerome Serchuck, the research program gives medical students between their first and second years funding to conduct eight-week research projects under the guidance of a BUMC faculty mentor.
The mentorship the students receive from their faculty member is invaluable to the research program. Elisha Wachman, MD, (MED ’06) participated in the MSSRP when she was in medical school and is now back as a mentor for Olivia Humbarger.
This year, Suzanne Sarfarty, MD (MED ’88), assistant dean for academic affairs and director of the program, gave the students another opportunity to show gratitude for their mentors who guided their research. Each student was able to share what made their mentors great on a board that stood alongside their posters at the symposium.
Robert Saper: “He made my feel very welcome on the research team and made sure that the tasks I had to complete were challenging but doable.”
Vivian Sanchez: “Dr. Sanchez went out of her way this summer to make this research project an extremely valuable experience for me.”
Anna Hohler: “Our regular meetings were instrumental to keeping my project on track and allowed me to benefit so much in such a short amount of time.”
Jasmeet Hayes: “Not only did she show genuine interest for my career advancement, but she was a pleasant person to be around.”
Shoumita Dasgupta: “Shoumita Dasgupta was not only a patient, thoughtful mentor who guided me through the progress of planning, doing research and preparing my project, but she was present and available through e-mail and in person (which is one of the most highly valued and underrated qualities of an awesome mentor)!
Six students were presented with Serchuck awards for the best clinical science, basic science, and best QI or medical education research. The awards are named in honor of Jerome Serchuck who has given generously to the research program since its official establishment in the summer of 2000.
“Without Jerome Serchuck, none of this would be possible,” said Dr. Sarfarty.
Serchuck Awards:
Best Clinical Science:
Serif Aly: “Healthcare Disparities & Risk Factors for Readmission in General Surgery”
Honorable Mention:
Nicholas Mauricio: “Describing Polypharmacy in a Cohort of HIV-Infected Adults with Substance Dependence”
Best Basic Science:
Erika M. Yazawa: “PTEN Phosphatase Activity in Melanoma”
Honorable Mention:
Jielin Yu: “Effects of Neuropeptides α-MSH and NPY on the Phagolysosomal Activity of Primary Macrophages”
Best QI or Medical Education:
Angie Seo: “Improving the Quality of Colonoscopy Screening in Patients with Disabilities”
Honorable Mention:
Sherry Prasad: “Improving Surgical Site Infection Rates in Vascular Surgery Using a Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program”