By Dr. Megan Willams (MSTP Assistant Director)
Members of the Vanderbilt MSTP Leadership Team, Biomedical Research Education & Training (BRET) Office, and School of Medicine faculty attended the 2025 Biomedical Research Training Conference Hosted by the AAMC Group on Research, Education, and Training (GREAT) in Arlington, VA September 10-12. The MSTP Leadership Team also attended the meeting of the National Association of Clinician Scientist Training which was held in conjunction in Arlington, VA September 11-12. Dr. Chris Williams, MSTP Director, said “These national meetings highlight the creativity and commitment of programs working to advance physician–scientist training. I’m proud of the leadership our Vanderbilt team demonstrated through their presentations and workshops. Together, we are helping strengthen MD-PhD education and ensuring that our trainees are well-prepared to lead in science and medicine.”
The BRET Office is equally dedicated to ensuring biomedical sciences PhD students and postdocs have access to the most innovative training, resources, and opportunities for professional growth. This commitment is exemplified by strong partnerships with School of Medicine faculty, such as Dr. James Dewar, who co-presented at the AAMC GREAT Conference. This Conference is a critical space to learn about new practices, share what has been developed, and connect with peers across the country. “By presenting our work and engaging in these national conversations, we bring back fresh insights and strategies that directly support our trainees in achieving excellence in their research and advancing their professional development,” said Dr. Ashley Brady, Assistant Dean for Biomedical Career Engagement and Strategic Partnerships.
The Vanderbilt attendees presented the following:
- Ashley Brady, PhD, Assistant Dean of Biomedical Career Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, led a 75-minute concurrent session titled “Implementing and Evaluating Graduate and Postdoctoral Internships” and presented a poster titled “Advancing Research Careers (ARC) Institutional Sites”
- James Dewar, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Director of AI Initiatives for the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP), led a 75-minute concurrent session titled “Integrating Large Language Models into Biomedical Sciences Graduate Education: Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies”
- Lourdes Estrada, PhD, MSTP Associate Director, chairs the AAMC Workgroup on Developing Physician-Scientist Competencies and presented a short talk and poster titled “Physician-Scientist Competencies and Milestones Toolkit”
- Madhvi Venkatesh, DPhil, IGP Director, contributes to the AAMC GREAT Academic Publishing Working group and led a 75-minute concurrent session titled “Integrating Large Language Models into Biomedical Sciences Graduate Education: Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies” and presented posters titled “Advancing Research Careers (ARC) Institutional Sites” and “The AAMC GREAT Academic Publishing Working Group Initiative”
- Chris Williams, MD, PhD, MSTP Director, chairs the AAMC MD-PhD Training Opportunities for Physician-Scientists (TOPS) Committee and led a 75-minute session and panel discussion titled “Postgraduate Physician-Scientist Training and Employment” and contributed to planning a 75-minute session titled “Navigating Challenges in MD-PhD Training: Strategies for Student Success and Oversight”
- Megan Williams, PhD, MSTP Assistant Director, chairs the AAMC MD-PhD Communications Committee and led a 75-minute workshop titled “Reaching Further: Innovative Approaches to Broaden MD-PhD Engagement,” contributed to the planning of another 75-minute workshop titled “Beyond Metrics in an Evolving Landscape: Evaluating Potential and Promise in MD-PhD Admissions,” and presented a poster and short talk titled “Enhancing MD-PhD Trainee Learning from Institutional Leadership through ‘Lunches with Leaders’”