The Newly Revamped MSTP Seminar Series
The start of the academic year means the resumption of MSTP Seminar, and this year brings a few changes. One major change is the move from Light Hall to the new facilities in Eskind Biomedical Library and Learning Center. Between the updated technology and differences in room layouts, presenters and attendees will be adjusting to some major logistical changes. On a subtler note, the structure and goals for many of the talks have been modified slightly. These changes were inspired by conversations during Student Advisory Council meetings and feedback from previous student presenters. The revised primary objectives for each talk (seen below) have been incorporated into the syllabus for MSTP Seminar, and the feedback surveys have been modified to better reflect these objectives. The feedback we continue to receive this year and in future years will help us continue to improve MSTP Seminar, making this great program even better!
| Presentation Type | Primary Objectives | Time of presentation (minutes) | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1 Talk | -Build mentor-mentee relationship -Appraisal of Literature (how to read a scientific paper) -Oral Communication Skills | 35-40 | Journal club; Small group |
| G1 Talk | -Critical Appraisal of Literature -Oral Communication Skills to a broad physician-scientist audience -Background should be limited to support data that will be presented -Clinical case presentation is not mandatory or applicable for some papers | 35-40 | Journal club; Large group |
| Research in Progress (G2+) | -Provide a snapshot of ongoing work, ideally unpublished -Focus on the methods and background with an introduction to data and future directions -Receive feedback and suggestions in a small group setting | 30-35 | PowerPoint; whiteboard/chalk talk; Small group |
| Retreat Science Talks (G3+) | -Provide the entire MSTP a taste of thesis work -Focus on the data and story (one aim); background and methods only to inform the data. | 10 | PowerPoint; Large group |
| Clinical Cases | -Present a clinical case with a focus on clinical reasoning and 1-2 clinical pearls -Closing with updates on treatment or pathophysiology from literature -Consider providing one-page take-home printout/electronic PDF | 35-40 | Morning report style; whiteboard/ chalk talk; Small group |
| DIB Talks (Summer) | -At presenter’s discretion (e.g., side projects, review of core facilities, scientific topics of interest) -Should include presenter’s journey and useful tips/advice to under-classman | 35-40 | TED talk; Large group |