Medical students attend national research symposium

Schulich Medicine and Dentistry has sent three students: Chris Rhee, John Basmaji and Melissa Huynh, to the 4^th Canadian National Medical Student Research Symposium in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which wraps up today. The multi-disciplinary conference promotes interaction between basic science and medical trainees who are engaged in discovery, translational, clinical and population health research.

This year's program focuses on research carried out by undergraduate and MD/PhD medical students. Invitees participate from all Canadian Medical Schools. It includes cutting edge presentations by leading Canadian Clinician-Scientist researchers, trainee research presentations in oral and poster discussion formats, and a professional development workshop entitled "Developing and maintaining a successful research career: What you need to know". Awards are made for top presentations in categories of new (<12 months research experience) and established research trainees

Chris Rhee is a third year medical student at the Schulich Medicine and Dentistry - Windsor Program. "During the first year in the medical school, I developed my interest in Rheumatology as I was surprised by how much impact the current medicine provides to the patients with rheumatological conditions. Consequently, I decided to dedicate my two summers for the research on the impact of inflammatory arthritides on the patients' ability to work. My experiences so far for both medical school and the research are great, and I am excited to continue on my path."

John Basmaji is also a third year student in the Windsor Program and says "I spent a lot of time in the first two years doing research in the otolaryngology - head and neck surgery department at LHSC, working closely with Drs. Anthony Nichols and John Yoo. My main interests are in translational oncology research, and I intend to pursue an academic career in otolaryngology - head and neck surgical oncology."

Melissa Huynh is also in third year medicine. She completed her Honours B.Sc in Biopharmaceutical Science at the University of Ottawa and was involved in basic science research which mostly focused on stem cell research and tissue engineering for transplant purposes. "Since starting medical school, I've had the privilege of being involved in numerous extracurricular activities, but I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to continue to conduct scientific research, as a compliment to those activities," says Melissa. "My current research with Dr. Peter Cadieux was made possible by the Schulich Research Opportunities Program (SROP). The time I spent in his lab has been extremely rewarding and has contributed to my development as a scientist and future physician."