Fall Retreat
Being prepared is always a vital component to any career development. The fall retreat is designed specifically with the goal of helping students transition through each stage of their training. The retreat is organized through the PSTP director and co-director and includes presentations by different MD/PhD faculty and trainees on a Saturday morning. Topics often discussed are the transition from medical to graduate school and then back to medical school again. Also, faculty members discuss their transition into residency and their return to a research-oriented career. The topics of funding and career advancement are discussed as well as balancing family life with a physician scientist career. Different faculty members each year bring different personal perspectives on how science and medicine can be interlaced in multiple career pathways. Thus, being aware of future opportunities and expectations prepares the PTSP students to transition more effectively throughout their training.
Spring Retreat
Spring retreats consist of a program sponsored weekend getaway to a local resort. During this time PTSP students from all stages of training are given the opportunity to present to and learn from other students. On Saturday evening, a farewell dinner is held in honor of the graduating class wherein student accomplishments and experiences are recognized and remembered. The weekend also provides an excellent forum to discuss program concerns and changes. In addition to the scientific aspect, the spring retreat provides time to build friendships amongst the program members. These weekend excursion are a memorable part of all students passing through the program.
Distinguished Lecturer
While seminars and course work are important aspects of the MD/PhD training, it is crucial for students to directly interact with prominent figures in research and medicine. Interactions with dynamic leaders inspire students and show them new ways of intertwining a combined career in research and medicine. To provide these experiences, the PSTP has a distinguished lecturer series, wherein students invite nationally prominent individuals. Invited individuals give a seminar and also interact with students on a more informal basis to discuss their specific career paths and experiences as well as to offer guidance to the students. This lecture series provides excellent training and career opportunities for the students, as well as national exposure to the PSTP Program.
Program Meetings
Program meetings are a result of a student-initiated effort to learn more about the scientific research of other students in the program. Students gather bi-monthly wherein one colleague has the opportunity to present his/her research and gain feedback on their work. In addition to science and food, the meetings foster a greater comradery among the PSTP students from all stages of the program. These program meetings also provide a venue wherein program issues and updates can be more regularly discussed.
