Physician-Scientist Speaker Series with Amanda Doran, MD, PhD
by Neil Chada (G2)
On December 5th, 2023, the Vanderbilt MSTP had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Amanda Doran for the Fall Physician-Scientist Speaker Series (PSSS). Dr. Doran is a cardiologist-scientist at VUMC with appointments in the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine, Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Molecular Physiology & Biophysics. Originally from Belleair Beach, Florida, Dr. Doran graduated from Wellesley College with a B.A. in Biological Chemistry and Economics and attended the MSTP at the University of Virginia, where she earned her MD and PhD in Molecular Physiology in the lab of Dr. Coleen McNamara. She then trained at the Columbia University Medical Center for Internal Medicine and completed a Cardiology Fellowship along with a post-doc with Dr. Ira Tabas. The Doran Lab at Vanderbilt studies mechanisms by which the immune system modulates the development of advanced atherosclerosis and promotes the resolution of inflammation. During her time with us, Dr. Doran candidly shared her journey from her first research experience to navigating life as a PI at Vanderbilt. Her story had key lessons and advice for students at every stage of the MSTP. Of note, Dr. Doran’s advice of not putting life on hold for the sake of one’s career garnered support from several members of the MSTP including approval from our very own Dr. Chris Williams. We are so grateful for Dr. Doran’s transparency at this year’s Fall PSSS and look forward to her future involvement in the Vanderbilt MSTP community!
