Student Spotlight
G1 Students Share Lab Selections
Feb. 24, 2021—The Vanderbilt MSTP would like to congratulate the G1 class on completing their first two years of medical school and on joining the following laboratories and graduate programs: Here’s what they had to say about choosing their lab: Riley Bergman: I knew I wanted to join a cancer biology lab because the more I learn...
MSTPastimes: COVID Meat Curing
Dec. 21, 2020—Samantha Beik (G3) Making raw meat edible and reducing its ability to make us sick comprises two goals. The first is to remove toxic bacteria; the second is to remove as much water as you can. Actually, the second is pretty much an extension of the first, because you’re reducing water activity below the minimum...
Introducing the Vanderbilt MSTP Incoming Class of 2020!
Jun. 25, 2020—The Vanderbilt MSTP is excited to introduce the incoming class of 2020, who started program orientation (virtually) on June 16th. We are delighted to have such a bright group of future physician-scientists join our program. Some of them certainly come to us with an interesting skillset! Welcome, new M1s! Kimberly (Kimmy) Bress Hometown: Melbourne Beach, FL Undergraduate: University of...
Jerome Arceneaux Appointed SNMA National Community Service Committee Co-Chairperson
Jun. 12, 2020—Jerome Arceneaux, 5th year MD-PhD student from Meharry Medical College, was appointed SNMA National Community Service Committee Co-Chairperson. Jerome is completing his PhD in the lab of Dr. Brad Grueter at Vanderbilt, and the Vanderbilt MSTP is lucky to have Jerome as part of our community. Congratulations Jerome! Read more about Jerome and this honor...
#COVEID19: Ramadan and Eid in the midst of a global pandemic
May. 28, 2020—by Ayesha Muhammad (G2) In my 29 years of existence, without fail, the night that marks the beginning of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, has been welcomed with extra prayers, Taraweeh, in the mosque. On the night of April 23rd 2020, however, hundreds of thousands of Muslims in the US experienced a bittersweet moment:...
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...