Alumni Spotlight- Roman Loonis<\/h4><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/mdphd\/files\/2026\/02\/RL_headshot.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
Roman Loonis, MD\/PhD<\/h4>\nBUCASM MD\/PhD Class of 2019<\/h4>\nAttending Neurologist at the Jamaica Plain Veterans Affairs Hospital<\/h4>\nAssociate Medical Director at Takeda<\/h4>\n
A Career Built on Curiosity and Flexibility<\/strong><\/p>\nRoman Loonis\u2019 journey from Boston University School of Medicine to his current leadership role in neurodegenerative drug development at Takeda is a testament to curiosity and adaptability. \u201cKeeping an open mind about different career trajectories is critical,\u201d Roman reflects. \u201cIf there\u2019s any doubt, it never hurts to try something.\u201d His willingness to explore new paths\u2014from academia to clinical care to industry\u2014has shaped a career that blends science, medicine, and innovation.<\/p>\n
The Foundation at BU and BMC<\/strong><\/p>\nRoman credits BU and Boston Medical Center for instilling values that continue to guide him. \u201cBMC is dear to the heart. It serves underserved populations, really sees a variety of cases that no one else sees because it\u2019s underserved and does a lot with little,\u201d he says. That experience taught him the importance of equity in healthcare\u2014a principle he now applies to clinical trial design: \u201cIt\u2019s an important part of clinical trial design to reflect the diverse populations that are out there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Academic Rigor and Freedom<\/strong><\/p>\nRoman\u2019s PhD years in the Anatomy and Neurobiology Department were equally formative. \u201cOne really allowing and encouraging me to follow what I wanted to do\u2026 I never felt like a restriction,\u201d he recalls. That flexibility led him to pursue research at MIT while maintaining strong ties to BU\u2019s rigorous neuroscience curriculum. \u201cThere was a good academic rigor that I really appreciated,\u201d he says, citing experiences like prosecting in the anatomy lab\u2014where he not only deepened his understanding of neuroanatomy but also met his future wife while prosecting a human brain.<\/p>\n
Translating Science into Impact<\/strong><\/p>\nToday, Roman leads global clinical programs at Takeda, including trials for multiple system atrophy and partnerships in Alzheimer\u2019s and frontotemporal dementia. \u201cThe MD\u2019s role is really multifaceted in industry,\u201d he explains. \u201cYou get to be involved in exciting discussions about targets, preclinical models, and how to translate them into trials.\u201d His passion lies in neuroinflammation research, where he is helping advance first-in-human studies. \u201cAt the end of the day, the outcome isn\u2019t theoretical\u2014it\u2019s potentially a drug for a patient.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lessons from the Underserved<\/strong><\/p>\nRoman emphasizes that his time at BMC shaped his perspective on patient care and research. \u201cYou can have the perfect medical plan, but if the patient can\u2019t follow it, it\u2019s useless,\u201d he says. That insight informs his work in industry, where he advocates for inclusive trial designs and collaborations that reflect real-world diversity. \u201cBMC taught me to care about the underserved\u2014and that\u2019s something I carry forward.\u201d Roman teaches neurology residents and students in his epilepsy clinic every Friday in the Jamaica Plain VA Hospital as part of his commitment to patient care \u201cand to stay current\u201d.<\/p>\n
Advice for Future Physician-Scientists<\/strong><\/p>\nRoman\u2019s advice to students is simple yet profound: \u201cDon\u2019t get stuck. Be willing to change, even if it means renouncing what you\u2019ve done in the past.\u201d He acknowledges the anxiety that comes with change, sharing candidly: \u201cI never had imposter syndrome in medicine, but I felt it when I joined industry. You get over it. No one expects you to be an expert immediately.\u201d His story is a powerful reminder that flexibility, resilience, and a commitment to equity can open doors to unexpected and rewarding opportunities in science, medicine, and industry.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
2025 MD\/PhD Graduates Spotlight<\/strong><\/h1>\nAll six of our 2025 MD\/PhD graduates were interviewed by Dr. Steven Borkan, MD\/PhD Program Co-Director in May 2025, on the eve of their graduation.<\/h3>\nSpotlight 1: Allison Tipton \u2013 Bridging Science and Humanity<\/h4><\/p>\nFrom Curiosity to Career<\/strong><\/p>\nWhen Allison Tipton first stepped into a research lab as an undergraduate, she wasn\u2019t sure what to expect. \u201cI wanted a way to make a tangible difference in the field of eating disorders,\u201d she recalls. That summer of full-time research changed everything. \u201cLooking back, as a naturally curious person who\u2019s always loved science, it shouldn\u2019t have been surprising that I would thrive on the opportunity to explore unanswered questions.\u201d Those early experiences led Allison to pursue an MD-PhD, blending her passion for discovery with patient care.<\/p>\n
A Vision for the Future<\/strong>
\nThroughout her eight years at BU, Allison\u2019s commitment to mental health and eating disorders never wavered. \u201cIn an ideal world, I\u2019d be at an academic institute with an inpatient and outpatient eating disorder treatment center\u2014seeing patients regularly while collaborating on research that bridges basic science and clinical care.\u201d Her approach emphasizes listening to patients and integrating their experiences into research: \u201cThere is actually something there, and there might be areas for intervention.\u201d<\/p>\nLessons from BMC<\/strong>
\nWorking at Boston Medical Center gave Allison a deeper understanding of healthcare delivery. \u201cI\u2019ve become aware that there are a lot of system-level issues that impact our ability to deliver quality care,\u201d she explains. While excited about biomedical advances, she stresses the need for implementation research and equitable access. \u201cMany patients, especially at a safety-net hospital like BMC, aren\u2019t benefiting from the tremendous progress in medicine because of social determinants of health or difficulties with access.\u201d As she heads to her PSTP psychiatry residency, Allison carries forward BU\u2019s mission of improving care for vulnerable populations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Spotlight 2: Eric Bressler \u2013 After Boston\u2026the OR<\/h4><\/p>\nWhy BU? A Culture of Collaboration<\/strong>
\nEric Bressler chose BU\u2019s MD-PhD program for its unique environment. \u201cThe Boston research and translational environment is basically unmatched,\u201d he says. \u201cPeople are constantly collaborating, spinning out new projects, and trying to translate them.\u201d BU\u2019s Biomedical Engineering program and the mission-driven care at Boston Medical Center sealed the deal. \u201cBMC is really special. Everyone there is walking the walk when it comes to caring for the underserved. That\u2019s something I\u2019ll take with me my whole career.\u201d<\/p>\nAn Unexpected Turn Toward Surgery<\/strong>
\nEric entered the program convinced he would pursue hematology-oncology, but clinical rotations changed everything. \u201cI loved surgery\u2014the camaraderie, the skill-building, the impact on patients,\u201d he says. Initially, he worried that combining surgery with research was impossible, but mentors like Dr. Coulson showed him a blueprint for success. \u201cYou\u2019re going to work extremely hard, but it\u2019s possible,\u201d Eric recalls. That guidance gave him the confidence to follow his passion for surgical oncology while continuing his research ambitions.<\/p>\nAdvice for Future Physician-Scientists<\/strong>
\nEric\u2019s advice is clear: \u201cMentorship is everything. The mentors you choose will define your opportunities and growth.\u201d He also stresses flexibility: \u201cYou don\u2019t necessarily know what direction you\u2019ll go, so choose projects that can fit into different buckets.\u201d And one practical tip? Publish early. \u201cYour big paper will take forever. Find something useful for the field that you can publish early\u2014it\u2019s a stepping stone.\u201d His insights reflect the resilience and adaptability that have marked his journey from BU to the next chapter in his career at a PSTSP surgical residency training program.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Spotlight 3: Neelou Etesami \u2013 Resilience and Community<\/h4><\/p>\nDiscovering the MD-PhD Path<\/strong>
\nNeelou Etesami\u2019s journey to BU began with an unexpected realization. \u201cI started out focused on public health, but I found myself drawn to the science behind it,\u201d she recalls. After switching to biology and falling in love with research, something still felt missing. \u201cI loved the lab, but I missed human interaction.\u201d A mentor suggested the MD-PhD route\u2014a concept she initially dismissed. But after working as a scribe and volunteering in the ICU, Neelou discovered her passion for medicine. \u201cI realized I\u2019d been ignoring a calling,\u201d she says. BU\u2019s sense of collegiality and its mission at Boston Medical Center sealed her decision.<\/p>\nOvercoming Challenges Through Community<\/strong>
\nOne of Neelou\u2019s most difficult moments came after passing her qualifying exams when she made the difficult decision to switch PhD mentors. \u201cIt was intimidating to consider starting over\u2014 I nearly even decided to quit altogether,\u201d she admits. What changed everything was the outpouring of support from peers and faculty. \u201cPeople I barely knew reached out to share their stories and offer help. It spoke to the incredible student culture at BU.\u201d Despite the added challenge of COVID lockdowns, Neelou found a new lab and regained her motivation. \u201cI felt proud to be part of the physician-scientist community during such a difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\nReflections on the Road Ahead<\/strong>
\nLooking back, Neelou sees the length of training as the greatest challenge for physician-scientists. \u201cWhen I was 23, eight or nine years sounded fine. Now I realize how long that is\u2014not just professionally, but personally,\u201d she says. Still, she emphasizes the rewards: \u201cIt\u2019s always fresh and new\u2014you\u2019re never just slogging along.\u201d As she heads to California for internal medicine residency, Neelou carries forward the mission that shaped her at BU: caring for underserved populations and building community into her internal medicine training program.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Spotlight 4: Jarrod Moore \u2013 Dreams and Determination<\/h4><\/p>\nDiscovering the MD-PhD Path<\/strong>
\nJarrod Moore\u2019s decision to pursue a dual degree began with a chance conversation. \u201cI didn\u2019t even know the MD-PhD track existed until I sat down with Chino (a former BU MD\/PhD Alum) for 30 minutes,\u201d he recalls. That meeting changed my mind. \u201cI was always unsatisfied with just memorizing information\u2014I wanted to know where knowledge comes from.\u201d The MD-PhD program offered the perfect balance: \u201cMedicine gives you the human connection, and research lets you dig deeper.\u201d<\/p>\nAdvice for Future Physician-Scientists<\/strong>
\nJarrod\u2019s advice is rooted in experience: \u201cBe true to yourself and trust that the path isn\u2019t linear.\u201d He remembers starting the program with imposter syndrome. \u201cI thought, was it a fluke they accepted me?\u201d His message to new students: \u201cTake your time, trust that everyone else is as afraid as you are, and surround yourself with people who believe in you.\u201d Mentorship, he says, is critical: \u201cIt crushes imposter syndrome and opens doors.\u201d<\/p>\nA Dream Fulfilled: Heading to LA<\/strong>
\nJarrod\u2019s reaction to his residency placement was emotional. \u201cIt was overwhelming\u2014I cried,\u201d he admits. For years, he dreamed of moving to Los Angeles for internal medicine residency training, both professionally and personally. \u201cMy brother lives there, and my partner has waited seven years to move to LA.\u201d After 12 years in Boston, Jarrod is ready for a new challenge. \u201cI\u2019m excited to be pushed in different ways and accumulate new experiences. This is exactly what I wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Spotlight 5: Sean Corcoran \u2013 Fear Is the Mind Killer<\/h4><\/p>\nFrom Stem Cells to Cancer Biology<\/strong>
\nSean Corcoran\u2019s path to internal medicine and hematology-oncology in a PTSP program began with early research experiences in high school and college. Initially drawn to neurology, his trajectory changed after taking a biology class. \u201cIt opened up the whole world of cancer biology to me,\u201d he recalls. Clinical rotations at Boston Medical Center solidified his choice. \u201cWhen I spoke with oncology patients, the entire world got smaller\u2014every word mattered.\u201d<\/p>\nLessons from Transitions<\/strong>
\nSean identifies transitions as the greatest challenge during his training. \u201cThe first six months of anything new are hard,\u201d he says. From learning how to study in medical school to adapting to new labs during his PhD\u2014including a move to England (for the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program)\u2014Sean faced repeated hurdles. \u201cEverything I was doing was failing at first, but I realized failure is part of the process.\u201d His takeaway? \u201cFear is the mind killer. If you let fear drive your decisions, you won\u2019t grow.\u201d<\/p>\nAdvocating for Physician-Scientists<\/strong>
\nLooking ahead, Sean sees a pressing challenge: sustaining support for physician- scientists. \u201cOur profession is actively under attack because people don\u2019t understand what we do,\u201d he warns. From public misconceptions to proposed NIH budget cuts, Sean emphasizes the need for advocacy. \u201cWithout connecting research to medicine, there won\u2019t be new treatments. Oncology is a field built on hope\u2014if we stop funding research, we lose that hope.\u201d Sean takes this focused perspective with him to his residency training program in internal medicine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Spotlight 6: Keith Gagnon \u2013 Hands-On Healing<\/h4><\/p>\nWhy Keith Chose the MD-PhD Path<\/strong>
\nDuring his time at BU Medical Center, alumnus Keith Gagnon discovered the unique power of combining medicine with research. His journey began with a childhood experience that left a lasting impression. \u201cMy dad had a heart attack when I was in fourth grade, and seeing him recover so quickly after being critically ill was incredible,\u201d he recalls. That moment sparked his desire to become a doctor. Research entered the picture later, during college, when Keith discovered the thrill of pushing the boundaries of knowledge. \u201cI loved being on the fringes of what\u2019s known and moving knowledge forward,\u201d he says. \u201cSeeing patients who don\u2019t have answers, finding those answers in the lab, and bringing them back to the bedside.\u201d He credits BU\u2019s physicianscientist mentors for showing him that this vision is not only possible but deeply rewarding.<\/p>\nFinding His Calling in Surgery<\/strong>
\nKeith\u2019s decision to pursue surgery was shaped by a lifetime of working with his hands. \u201cI grew up tinkering with my dad\u2014fixing cars, soldering circuit boards, building things,\u201d he explains. That hands-on mentality carried through his PhD work and ultimately drew him to the operating room. \u201cI love that surgery offers immediate impact. You go in, solve a problem, and see the results right away.\u201d Role models like Dr. Brinckerhoff reinforced his choice: \u201cHe\u2019s one of the nicest human beings I\u2019ve met and thinks about his patients nonstop.\u201d<\/p>\nLessons from BU<\/strong>
\nTraining at Boston Medical Center transformed Keith\u2019s view of medicine. \u201cI didn\u2019t realize BU had such a strong social mission,\u201d he admits. Working with underserved patients taught him that the best medical plan isn\u2019t always the most advanced\u2014it\u2019s the one a patient can follow. \u201cIf someone can\u2019t afford a $20,000 drug or store medication because they\u2019re homeless, you have to adapt,\u201d he says. BU\u2019s emphasis on patient-centered care will shape Keith\u2019s next chapter while training at a PSTP surgical residency and how he practices wherever he goes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Along with our Alumni Newsletter, each Fall and Spring we reach out to an alumni […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20914,"featured_media":0,"parent":980,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"bu-landing","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1041"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20914"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1041"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1041\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1842,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1041\/revisions\/1842"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/980"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1041"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/p>\n
Roman Loonis, MD\/PhD<\/h4>\nBUCASM MD\/PhD Class of 2019<\/h4>\nAttending Neurologist at the Jamaica Plain Veterans Affairs Hospital<\/h4>\nAssociate Medical Director at Takeda<\/h4>\n
Attending Neurologist at the Jamaica Plain Veterans Affairs Hospital<\/h4>\nAssociate Medical Director at Takeda<\/h4>\n
A Career Built on Curiosity and Flexibility<\/strong><\/p>\n Roman Loonis\u2019 journey from Boston University School of Medicine to his current leadership role in neurodegenerative drug development at Takeda is a testament to curiosity and adaptability. \u201cKeeping an open mind about different career trajectories is critical,\u201d Roman reflects. \u201cIf there\u2019s any doubt, it never hurts to try something.\u201d His willingness to explore new paths\u2014from academia to clinical care to industry\u2014has shaped a career that blends science, medicine, and innovation.<\/p>\n The Foundation at BU and BMC<\/strong><\/p>\n Roman credits BU and Boston Medical Center for instilling values that continue to guide him. \u201cBMC is dear to the heart. It serves underserved populations, really sees a variety of cases that no one else sees because it\u2019s underserved and does a lot with little,\u201d he says. That experience taught him the importance of equity in healthcare\u2014a principle he now applies to clinical trial design: \u201cIt\u2019s an important part of clinical trial design to reflect the diverse populations that are out there.\u201d<\/p>\n Academic Rigor and Freedom<\/strong><\/p>\n Roman\u2019s PhD years in the Anatomy and Neurobiology Department were equally formative. \u201cOne really allowing and encouraging me to follow what I wanted to do\u2026 I never felt like a restriction,\u201d he recalls. That flexibility led him to pursue research at MIT while maintaining strong ties to BU\u2019s rigorous neuroscience curriculum. \u201cThere was a good academic rigor that I really appreciated,\u201d he says, citing experiences like prosecting in the anatomy lab\u2014where he not only deepened his understanding of neuroanatomy but also met his future wife while prosecting a human brain.<\/p>\n Translating Science into Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n Today, Roman leads global clinical programs at Takeda, including trials for multiple system atrophy and partnerships in Alzheimer\u2019s and frontotemporal dementia. \u201cThe MD\u2019s role is really multifaceted in industry,\u201d he explains. \u201cYou get to be involved in exciting discussions about targets, preclinical models, and how to translate them into trials.\u201d His passion lies in neuroinflammation research, where he is helping advance first-in-human studies. \u201cAt the end of the day, the outcome isn\u2019t theoretical\u2014it\u2019s potentially a drug for a patient.\u201d<\/p>\n Lessons from the Underserved<\/strong><\/p>\n Roman emphasizes that his time at BMC shaped his perspective on patient care and research. \u201cYou can have the perfect medical plan, but if the patient can\u2019t follow it, it\u2019s useless,\u201d he says. That insight informs his work in industry, where he advocates for inclusive trial designs and collaborations that reflect real-world diversity. \u201cBMC taught me to care about the underserved\u2014and that\u2019s something I carry forward.\u201d Roman teaches neurology residents and students in his epilepsy clinic every Friday in the Jamaica Plain VA Hospital as part of his commitment to patient care \u201cand to stay current\u201d.<\/p>\n Advice for Future Physician-Scientists<\/strong><\/p>\n Roman\u2019s advice to students is simple yet profound: \u201cDon\u2019t get stuck. Be willing to change, even if it means renouncing what you\u2019ve done in the past.\u201d He acknowledges the anxiety that comes with change, sharing candidly: \u201cI never had imposter syndrome in medicine, but I felt it when I joined industry. You get over it. No one expects you to be an expert immediately.\u201d His story is a powerful reminder that flexibility, resilience, and a commitment to equity can open doors to unexpected and rewarding opportunities in science, medicine, and industry.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n <\/p>\n From Curiosity to Career<\/strong><\/p>\n When Allison Tipton first stepped into a research lab as an undergraduate, she wasn\u2019t sure what to expect. \u201cI wanted a way to make a tangible difference in the field of eating disorders,\u201d she recalls. That summer of full-time research changed everything. \u201cLooking back, as a naturally curious person who\u2019s always loved science, it shouldn\u2019t have been surprising that I would thrive on the opportunity to explore unanswered questions.\u201d Those early experiences led Allison to pursue an MD-PhD, blending her passion for discovery with patient care.<\/p>\n A Vision for the Future<\/strong> Lessons from BMC<\/strong> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Why BU? A Culture of Collaboration<\/strong> An Unexpected Turn Toward Surgery<\/strong> Advice for Future Physician-Scientists<\/strong> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Discovering the MD-PhD Path<\/strong> Overcoming Challenges Through Community<\/strong> Reflections on the Road Ahead<\/strong> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Discovering the MD-PhD Path<\/strong> Advice for Future Physician-Scientists<\/strong> A Dream Fulfilled: Heading to LA<\/strong> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n From Stem Cells to Cancer Biology<\/strong> Lessons from Transitions<\/strong> Advocating for Physician-Scientists<\/strong> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Why Keith Chose the MD-PhD Path<\/strong> Finding His Calling in Surgery<\/strong> Lessons from BU<\/strong> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Along with our Alumni Newsletter, each Fall and Spring we reach out to an alumni […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20914,"featured_media":0,"parent":980,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"bu-landing","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1041"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20914"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1041"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1041\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1842,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1041\/revisions\/1842"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/980"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1041"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}2025 MD\/PhD Graduates Spotlight<\/strong><\/h1>\n
All six of our 2025 MD\/PhD graduates were interviewed by Dr. Steven Borkan, MD\/PhD Program Co-Director in May 2025, on the eve of their graduation.<\/h3>\n
Spotlight 1: Allison Tipton \u2013 Bridging Science and Humanity<\/h4>
\nThroughout her eight years at BU, Allison\u2019s commitment to mental health and eating disorders never wavered. \u201cIn an ideal world, I\u2019d be at an academic institute with an inpatient and outpatient eating disorder treatment center\u2014seeing patients regularly while collaborating on research that bridges basic science and clinical care.\u201d Her approach emphasizes listening to patients and integrating their experiences into research: \u201cThere is actually something there, and there might be areas for intervention.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWorking at Boston Medical Center gave Allison a deeper understanding of healthcare delivery. \u201cI\u2019ve become aware that there are a lot of system-level issues that impact our ability to deliver quality care,\u201d she explains. While excited about biomedical advances, she stresses the need for implementation research and equitable access. \u201cMany patients, especially at a safety-net hospital like BMC, aren\u2019t benefiting from the tremendous progress in medicine because of social determinants of health or difficulties with access.\u201d As she heads to her PSTP psychiatry residency, Allison carries forward BU\u2019s mission of improving care for vulnerable populations.<\/p>\nSpotlight 2: Eric Bressler \u2013 After Boston\u2026the OR<\/h4>
\nEric Bressler chose BU\u2019s MD-PhD program for its unique environment. \u201cThe Boston research and translational environment is basically unmatched,\u201d he says. \u201cPeople are constantly collaborating, spinning out new projects, and trying to translate them.\u201d BU\u2019s Biomedical Engineering program and the mission-driven care at Boston Medical Center sealed the deal. \u201cBMC is really special. Everyone there is walking the walk when it comes to caring for the underserved. That\u2019s something I\u2019ll take with me my whole career.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nEric entered the program convinced he would pursue hematology-oncology, but clinical rotations changed everything. \u201cI loved surgery\u2014the camaraderie, the skill-building, the impact on patients,\u201d he says. Initially, he worried that combining surgery with research was impossible, but mentors like Dr. Coulson showed him a blueprint for success. \u201cYou\u2019re going to work extremely hard, but it\u2019s possible,\u201d Eric recalls. That guidance gave him the confidence to follow his passion for surgical oncology while continuing his research ambitions.<\/p>\n
\nEric\u2019s advice is clear: \u201cMentorship is everything. The mentors you choose will define your opportunities and growth.\u201d He also stresses flexibility: \u201cYou don\u2019t necessarily know what direction you\u2019ll go, so choose projects that can fit into different buckets.\u201d And one practical tip? Publish early. \u201cYour big paper will take forever. Find something useful for the field that you can publish early\u2014it\u2019s a stepping stone.\u201d His insights reflect the resilience and adaptability that have marked his journey from BU to the next chapter in his career at a PSTSP surgical residency training program.<\/p>\nSpotlight 3: Neelou Etesami \u2013 Resilience and Community<\/h4>
\nNeelou Etesami\u2019s journey to BU began with an unexpected realization. \u201cI started out focused on public health, but I found myself drawn to the science behind it,\u201d she recalls. After switching to biology and falling in love with research, something still felt missing. \u201cI loved the lab, but I missed human interaction.\u201d A mentor suggested the MD-PhD route\u2014a concept she initially dismissed. But after working as a scribe and volunteering in the ICU, Neelou discovered her passion for medicine. \u201cI realized I\u2019d been ignoring a calling,\u201d she says. BU\u2019s sense of collegiality and its mission at Boston Medical Center sealed her decision.<\/p>\n
\nOne of Neelou\u2019s most difficult moments came after passing her qualifying exams when she made the difficult decision to switch PhD mentors. \u201cIt was intimidating to consider starting over\u2014 I nearly even decided to quit altogether,\u201d she admits. What changed everything was the outpouring of support from peers and faculty. \u201cPeople I barely knew reached out to share their stories and offer help. It spoke to the incredible student culture at BU.\u201d Despite the added challenge of COVID lockdowns, Neelou found a new lab and regained her motivation. \u201cI felt proud to be part of the physician-scientist community during such a difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nLooking back, Neelou sees the length of training as the greatest challenge for physician-scientists. \u201cWhen I was 23, eight or nine years sounded fine. Now I realize how long that is\u2014not just professionally, but personally,\u201d she says. Still, she emphasizes the rewards: \u201cIt\u2019s always fresh and new\u2014you\u2019re never just slogging along.\u201d As she heads to California for internal medicine residency, Neelou carries forward the mission that shaped her at BU: caring for underserved populations and building community into her internal medicine training program.<\/p>\nSpotlight 4: Jarrod Moore \u2013 Dreams and Determination<\/h4>
\nJarrod Moore\u2019s decision to pursue a dual degree began with a chance conversation. \u201cI didn\u2019t even know the MD-PhD track existed until I sat down with Chino (a former BU MD\/PhD Alum) for 30 minutes,\u201d he recalls. That meeting changed my mind. \u201cI was always unsatisfied with just memorizing information\u2014I wanted to know where knowledge comes from.\u201d The MD-PhD program offered the perfect balance: \u201cMedicine gives you the human connection, and research lets you dig deeper.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJarrod\u2019s advice is rooted in experience: \u201cBe true to yourself and trust that the path isn\u2019t linear.\u201d He remembers starting the program with imposter syndrome. \u201cI thought, was it a fluke they accepted me?\u201d His message to new students: \u201cTake your time, trust that everyone else is as afraid as you are, and surround yourself with people who believe in you.\u201d Mentorship, he says, is critical: \u201cIt crushes imposter syndrome and opens doors.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJarrod\u2019s reaction to his residency placement was emotional. \u201cIt was overwhelming\u2014I cried,\u201d he admits. For years, he dreamed of moving to Los Angeles for internal medicine residency training, both professionally and personally. \u201cMy brother lives there, and my partner has waited seven years to move to LA.\u201d After 12 years in Boston, Jarrod is ready for a new challenge. \u201cI\u2019m excited to be pushed in different ways and accumulate new experiences. This is exactly what I wanted.\u201d<\/p>\nSpotlight 5: Sean Corcoran \u2013 Fear Is the Mind Killer<\/h4>
\nSean Corcoran\u2019s path to internal medicine and hematology-oncology in a PTSP program began with early research experiences in high school and college. Initially drawn to neurology, his trajectory changed after taking a biology class. \u201cIt opened up the whole world of cancer biology to me,\u201d he recalls. Clinical rotations at Boston Medical Center solidified his choice. \u201cWhen I spoke with oncology patients, the entire world got smaller\u2014every word mattered.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSean identifies transitions as the greatest challenge during his training. \u201cThe first six months of anything new are hard,\u201d he says. From learning how to study in medical school to adapting to new labs during his PhD\u2014including a move to England (for the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program)\u2014Sean faced repeated hurdles. \u201cEverything I was doing was failing at first, but I realized failure is part of the process.\u201d His takeaway? \u201cFear is the mind killer. If you let fear drive your decisions, you won\u2019t grow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nLooking ahead, Sean sees a pressing challenge: sustaining support for physician- scientists. \u201cOur profession is actively under attack because people don\u2019t understand what we do,\u201d he warns. From public misconceptions to proposed NIH budget cuts, Sean emphasizes the need for advocacy. \u201cWithout connecting research to medicine, there won\u2019t be new treatments. Oncology is a field built on hope\u2014if we stop funding research, we lose that hope.\u201d Sean takes this focused perspective with him to his residency training program in internal medicine.<\/p>\nSpotlight 6: Keith Gagnon \u2013 Hands-On Healing<\/h4>
\nDuring his time at BU Medical Center, alumnus Keith Gagnon discovered the unique power of combining medicine with research. His journey began with a childhood experience that left a lasting impression. \u201cMy dad had a heart attack when I was in fourth grade, and seeing him recover so quickly after being critically ill was incredible,\u201d he recalls. That moment sparked his desire to become a doctor. Research entered the picture later, during college, when Keith discovered the thrill of pushing the boundaries of knowledge. \u201cI loved being on the fringes of what\u2019s known and moving knowledge forward,\u201d he says. \u201cSeeing patients who don\u2019t have answers, finding those answers in the lab, and bringing them back to the bedside.\u201d He credits BU\u2019s physicianscientist mentors for showing him that this vision is not only possible but deeply rewarding.<\/p>\n
\nKeith\u2019s decision to pursue surgery was shaped by a lifetime of working with his hands. \u201cI grew up tinkering with my dad\u2014fixing cars, soldering circuit boards, building things,\u201d he explains. That hands-on mentality carried through his PhD work and ultimately drew him to the operating room. \u201cI love that surgery offers immediate impact. You go in, solve a problem, and see the results right away.\u201d Role models like Dr. Brinckerhoff reinforced his choice: \u201cHe\u2019s one of the nicest human beings I\u2019ve met and thinks about his patients nonstop.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTraining at Boston Medical Center transformed Keith\u2019s view of medicine. \u201cI didn\u2019t realize BU had such a strong social mission,\u201d he admits. Working with underserved patients taught him that the best medical plan isn\u2019t always the most advanced\u2014it\u2019s the one a patient can follow. \u201cIf someone can\u2019t afford a $20,000 drug or store medication because they\u2019re homeless, you have to adapt,\u201d he says. BU\u2019s emphasis on patient-centered care will shape Keith\u2019s next chapter while training at a PSTP surgical residency and how he practices wherever he goes.<\/p>\n