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MD/PhD Program holds spring virtual retreat

The MD/PhD program at Penn State College of Medicine held a virtual retreat Saturday, April 2, to bring current students together to celebrate the program’s recent residency matches with an annual post Match Day panel; meet with a leader in medical scientist training, Lourdes Estrada, PhD; and have some light-hearted vertical integration.

The retreat’s theme was “Embracing Change and Uncertainty.”

Robert Levenson, PhD, the MD/PhD program’s co-director, provided a brief welcome and update.

Zoom screen showing text "The miles traveled have taught me many key lessons, a map with San Juan marked, and Lourdes Estrada speaking.

Dr. Lourdes Estrada speaks with virtual retreat attendees.

The keynote speaker, Lourdes Estrada, PhD, followed. Estrada is an associate professor of biochemistry, Associate Director for Academic Programs & Operations, Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP); Co-Director of Post-clerkship Medical School Curriculum (Immersion Phase, Curriculum 2.0); and Director of the Academy for Excellence in Education at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

The attendees also participated in a murder mystery activity, and the program’s newly matched students led a Match Day panel.

The program leadership ended the retreat by announcing award winners:

Judith Bond MD/PhD Award for outstanding achievement in research and clinical training

  • 2022 Bond Award winners – Derek Nye, Heather Ren, Carson Wills

Daniel Notterman award for outstanding clinical research conference presentation

  • 2022 Notterman Award winners – Mallory Peterson, Rahul Nachnani, Congzhou “Mike” Sha

Finally, Rahul Nachnani announced the new Physician Scientist Student Association board.

Learn more about the MD/PhD program

Read about the MD/PhD program’s 2022 matches

Zoom screen showing text "The miles traveled have taught me many key lessons, a map with San Juan marked, and Lourdes Estrada speaking.

Dr. Lourdes Estrada speaks with virtual retreat attendees.

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