The School of Medicine Basic Sciences is a remarkable community dedicated to advancing the study of human biology, health, and disease. In addition to the award-winning faculty, postdocs, and students who are at the forefront of our cutting-edge research, a large part of our school’s success can be attributed to our staff.
Join us in recognizing and appreciating our staff members and the hard work they do to facilitate the exceptional exploration into basic biomedical science that takes place at our school.
We sat down with RC Stabile, director of trainee engagement & well-being within the School of Medicine Basic Sciences, to learn more about him and the work he does at Vanderbilt for our school.
What do you do for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences?
My role is to support trainees through three primary focus areas: care, community development, and co-curricular engagement. I regularly meet with trainees to discuss the challenges they face both in and out of the lab, and I plan programs to encourage them to engage with one another. I also coordinate our Lunch-and-Learn series, which exposes trainees to issues such as handling failure, financial management, healthcare, anxiety, and more.
How long have you been working for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences (or Vanderbilt more generally)?
I have been at Vanderbilt for a decade this August and with the SOMBS for just over two years.
What is something you like about working for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences?
Working with trainees through tough situations is really fulfilling for me, and I’m able to provide support to those who need it. Given the current state of the world, it’s especially rewarding to be able to help someone in need right now. What is your favorite memory or project you completed during your time at VSMBS so far?
One of my favorite initiatives from my office is the Failure Series. We invite faculty to share personal stories of failure, including tenure challenges, unfulfilled job aspirations, and failed experiments. Each talk is one-of-a-kind, and I’m consistently impressed by our faculty’s openness. This fall, we’ll start involving alums to share their stories with our trainees, so I’m excited to expand the failure talks beyond academics.
In addition, every time I review the ideas trainees submit for the Lunch-and-Learn series, I’m blown away by the quality. I really appreciate it when they suggest a topic and I can find a suitable expert to speak with them. Recently, a trainee asked about navigating the insurance plan, so we brought in a representative from the health insurance company to answer their questions. Even small wins feel more significant these days, and I’m happy to help them navigate these challenges.
Can you name a colleague who has had a positive impact on your work and explain how they had a positive impact?
Since taking on this role, Kate Stuart (the director of strategic affairs and events within BRET) has been my go-to person for guidance. As a one-person team, making decisions that affect others can be tough, so it’s a huge relief to have someone I trust to bounce ideas off and brainstorm with. I feel lucky to have her as a colleague and friend, and the SOMBS is better off for having her on board.
What is a professional or personal achievement that you are most proud of?
Over a decade ago, I lost over 100 pounds, and I think that’s where my love for well-being began. Setting a goal and doing something just for myself was a real eye-opener. It taught me about boundaries, saying no, and navigating tough situations.
What activities to do you like to do outside of work?
My free time is mostly spent lifting weights, hanging out with my partner and our dogs, and playing video games. One of my favorite activities is watching Survivor—I even have dreams of competing on the show someday. I also love taking international trips with my partner every year, and we usually go hiking. Our most recent trip was to hike around Finland and catch the northern lights a few times.
What is your favorite quoteor favorite book (and why?)?
As someone who reads over 50 books a year, it’s tough to pick a favorite. I’m a fan of thrillers, memoirs, and historical fiction. Some of my top picks include the Villains series by V.E. Schwab, Holes by Louis Sachar, and The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.