by Yash Pershad (G3)
This April, fourteen Vanderbilt MSTP students traveled to the 2026 ASCI/AAP/APSA Joint Meeting, representing one of our strongest showings at the annual gathering of physician-scientists from across the country.
Two of the ten talks at the APSA Scientific Showcase were from Vanderbilt: Yash Pershad presented his dissertation work on mutation-specific molecular and phenotypic consequences of TET2 and DNMT3A clonal hematopoiesis, and Raymond Zhang spoke on VISTA’s role in disease progression in high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Kyle Enriquez continued his national service to the physician-scientist community in his role as APSA Treasurer.
The weekend featured a packed scientific and professional program. Saturday’s plenary on the relationship between academia, federal government, and industry drew on perspectives from former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb and former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, with a forward-looking talk on AI in academic medicine from UCSF’s Bob Wachter, which was timely given the rapidly shifting landscape of biomedical research funding and policy. Saturday evening also featured the ASCI Awards Plenary, where two Vanderbilt faculty were recognized: Dr. Alex Bick received the prestigious ASCI/Seldin-Smith Award for his work on clonal hematopoiesis as a precancer that accelerates aging, and Dr. Consuelo Wilkins delivered the ASCI/Sullivan Award Lecture on advancing the rigor of Alzheimer’s disease research.
The meeting closed with the From Training to Residency Luncheon, where students had the rare opportunity to sit down directly with program directors of research-track residency programs, especially valuable for those approaching the application cycle in the coming year.
On Friday evening, the Vanderbilt contingent, spanning MSTPs, fellows, and faculty, gathered at the Radisson Blu for an informal get-together that served as a warm kickoff to the weekend.
We look forward to seeing this cohort continue to grow as scientists, clinicians, and leaders. Congratulations to all who attended and presented!
