Student Spotlight Category
VUSM volunteer efforts led by students
Mar. 30, 2020—by Ayesha Muhammad (G2) As people undergoing undergraduate medical and predoctoral scientific training, we are in a unique position: we have the know-how to appreciate the magnitude of the COVID-19 problem, while also being unable to join our mentors, loved ones and people who were once our peers (looking at you class of 2020! –...
Op-Ed: Marathon, not a sprint…
Mar. 29, 2020—by Ayesha Muhammad (G2) These days, there are a lot of feelings going around: anger, disbelief, fear, frustration, cabin fever, and even grief. Anger at the lack of supplies and tests… Disbelief at people who are still ignoring social distancing guidelines, or think this is all a hoax Fear for our loved ones, and our...
The “Two-body Problem” in academic medicine: Match 2020 edition
Mar. 29, 2020—by Ayesha Muhammad (M2) Whether in the midst of a pandemic, or during a 7-8 year-long MSTP, life happens, which might involve finding a long-term partner. For some of our graduates this year, finding their partners did not happen in the most logistically convenient way. This leads to the “two-body problem,” i.e. when two partners...
MSTPastime: Rachel Brown’s (G3) and Matt Stier’s (‘19) feral cat colony
Feb. 27, 2020—by Rachel Brown (G3) Current Members (pictured top left to bottom right): OG Gray Kitty, Mama, LBK (Little Brown Kitten), Rex, Pumpkin, Sylvester (not pictured), and Frank Former Colony Members (have been adopted!): Gullible Cat, Tortoiseshell Cat, Chatty Kathy, and Mallard Reducing Pet...
MSTPastimes: Maggie Axelrod’s rock climbing
Feb. 25, 2020—by Maggie Axelrod (G3) Tell us about your hobby: I love rock climbing! I’ve been climbing for about 8 years now, and I mostly boulder (shorter problems, close to the ground, no rope needed, more powerful), but I also lead climb some (taller, with a rope & harness). I love bouldering because it is physically...
MSTP Student Advocacy and Activism: Part 2
Jan. 31, 2020—Here are some of the many ways our students are involved in activism and advocacy! Here are some of the many ways our students are involved in activism and advocacy! (Click here to read Part 1) Lizzie Flook (G3) Advocacy/Activism Role: MSTP Wellness Committee Co-Founder Why this is important to me: The conversation about medical student...
MSTPastimes: Matt Madden’s pick-up basketball
Jan. 30, 2020—Vanderbilt medical school pick-up basketball is enjoying its fifth year at the recreation and wellness center. Everyone is welcome to play. Games are 12-2pm every Sunday. Email matthew.z.madden@vanderbilt.edu to join our weekly message GroupMe. Pictured are Matt Wleklinski (G3), Matt Madden (G3), Matt Loberg (M2), Michael Raddatz (G3), Duncan Smart (G2), and Brad Reinfeld (G3)....
MSTPastimes: Kelsey McNew’s fitness classes
Jan. 30, 2020—by Kelsey McNew (G3) Upon consideration, I’ve taken over 900 boutique fitness classes at 18 studios during my 4.5 years in Nashville and that probably constitutes a hobby. I’ve tried many different things: I did 6 months of CrossFit before I realized I hated throwing myself on the ground and having to get back up...
MSTPastimes: Evonne McArthur’s photography and graphic design
Dec. 19, 2019—by Evonne McArthur (G2) For over ten years, I have pursued side passions including photography and graphic design. I believe that these hobbies also encompass some of the best parts of science and medicine. Namely, they necessitate creativity, precision, and craftsmanship. I also enjoy that they generate dialogue and allow for a unique way of...
MSTPastimes: Joey Elsakr Qualified for Marathon US Olympic Trials
Dec. 19, 2019—Recently MSTP student Joey Elsakr (G5) qualified for the Marathon US Olympic Trials! We asked him to speak with us about this MSTPastime. Good luck to Joey at the Olympic Trials race in Atlanta, GA on February 29, 2020! When did you start running? What made you decide to start running? What led you to...