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Medical Scholars: William Quach explores a different approach
Sep. 28, 2021—by Lexie Little When William Quach (MD ’23) arrived at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine after studying biology at the University of California San Diego, he brought research experience with him. Quach, an aspiring anesthesiologist, examined how a specific protein traditionally known to play a role in the death of cells actually helped ovarian and...
‘Paging Drs. White-Dzuro’: Siblings continue VUSM legacy
Sep. 23, 2021—Family bonds strengthen at VUSM for two students, one alumna by Lexie Little Google “White-Dzuro M.D. Vanderbilt” and three names will appear: Gabrielle (Brie), an anesthesiology resident at Massachusetts General Hospital; Colin, a fourth-year medical student; and Claire, a first-year medical student. Each studied biochemistry as undergraduates. Each played collegiate volleyball. Each hails from Toronto,...
Bass Military Scholar looks to lead
Sep. 19, 2021—by Lexie Little As 1st Lt. Gunther Wong crouched behind a dusty wall in Afghanistan in 2016, a career in medicine didn’t pop up on his radar. However, as he reflected on the civilian needs he observed, he set his sights on applying the values and discipline he gained in the U.S. Army to a...
Threads old and new: HPSP students take oath at White Coat Ceremony
Sep. 10, 2021—by Lexie Little M1 students Sean Luong and Natalie Jones commit to service as officer-physicians When Lt. Col. Will Hansen officially retired from the U.S. Army on Sept. 1, 2019, he stashed his uniform in the closet not knowing light outside would ever reach its stitching for a military reason again. Five days later, he...
How doodling leads to innovation: a conversation with physician-innovator Reed Omary
Aug. 23, 2021—by Emma Mattson For radiologist and physician-innovator Reed Omary, MD, doodling isn’t just a hobby— it’s an essential step in the innovation process. “The concept of sketching or doodling is a way to ensure my own understanding,” Omary explains. “When you write, don’t you feel like you learn the material better and you clarify your...
M4 Lex Erath rejoins VUSM after MBA year out, reflects on med school experience
Aug. 9, 2021—by Emma Mattson Five years ago, when Boston native Lex Erath first joined the Vanderbilt community, she packed a few doubts into her suitcase. “While I was thrilled to be attending Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, I was also a little nervous about the culture shock of the South and Tennessee in particular,” Erath wrote...
Wellness priorities a year after COVID: A conversation with Katie McKay and LeAnn Lam
Jul. 26, 2021—by Emma Mattson The Student Wellness Committee (SWC) transitions leadership this fall, as 2019-20 presidents Jaclyn Lee and Cooper March pass the torch to Katie McKay (M4) and LeAnn Lam (M3). Both McKay and Lam dove into wellness work almost as soon as they arrived on Vanderbilt’s campus. “I’ve known from when I got to...
A Year Like No Other: M2 shares powerful stories from clerkship year
Jul. 19, 2021—intro by Emma Mattson & reflection by M2 student This summer, our M2s reached an important medical school milestone: completing their six core clerkships. Besides marking the halfway point through medical school, the end of clerkship year also signifies that you’re ready to take on increased clinical responsibilities during your Immersion Phase. The M2 year...
COVID-19 fundraiser organizers reflect on med students’ role in global health
Jul. 12, 2021—by Emma Mattson In early May 2021, in the middle of an intense Brain, Behavior & Movement block, one question was simmering in M1 Shreyas Krishnapura’s head: How could the Vanderbilt community contribute to COVID-19 relief in India, which was being particularly hard hit by the pandemic? Now, six weeks later, the fundraiser organized by...
Next Generation of CCO Leaders Share Words of Encouragement
Jun. 23, 2021—by Emma Mattson “The biggest thing on my mind is reuniting our School of Medicine family after the COVID time,” says Leland Dunwoodie (M4), who took office this spring as the Executive President of the Council of Class Officers (CCO). Dunwoodie, who has served as president for the Class of 2022 for the past three...