Thank you for attending this year's Annual MD PhD National Student Conference! We had a very sucessful event and can't wait for you to join us for our 35th annual meeting in 2020!
Save the Date: July 9th - 12th, 2020
Full 2019 Program Details:
Socio App: an electronic program
This year we are using an event hosting app in lieu of traditional conferece programs in an effort to be more enviromentally consious. Please download the Socio Event App from your device's app store. Search for the "34th Annual MD/PhD National Student Conference" and join the event. From the app you'll be able to access the conference schedule, important annoncements, and other important conference information and documents. If you are having trouble downloading the app or finding our conference event, click here for more information or visit us at the registration desk during the conference for help! If you prefer your own electronic copy, a pdf version of the full length program is avaliable for download.
Keynote Speakers:
Peter Agre, M.D.
Sunday, June 14th, Bighorn Room - 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Dr. Peter Agre, M.D., is a professor of biological chemistry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He also holds an appointment in the department of molecular biology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Agre’s research has focused on the molecular aspects of human diseases, including hemolytic anemias, blood group antigens and malaria. He received the 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Roderick MacKinnon of Rockefeller University for the discovery of aquaporins, water channels that facilitate the movement of water across cell membranes. He is a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor and director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute. For the past ten years Peter Agre’s lab has focused upon the role of aquaporins in malaria.
Dr. Agre received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Augsburg College. He earned his M.D. from Johns Hopkins. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Case Western Reserve University Hospitals of Cleveland and performed a hematology-oncology fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Agre returned to Johns Hopkins as a postdoctoral fellow in cell biology before joining the faculty in 1984. He became vice chancellor for science and technology at Duke University Medical Center in 2005. He returned to Johns Hopkins in 2008. Dr. Agre is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society.
Huda Akil, Ph.D.
Saturday, June 13th, Bighorn Room - 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Dr. Huda Akil, Ph.D. is the Gardner Quarton
Distinguished University Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and the
co-Director of the Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute at the
University of Michigan. Dr. Akil has made seminal contributions to the
understanding of the brain biology of emotions, including pain, anxiety,
depression and substance abuse. She and her colleagues provided the first
physiological evidence for a role of endorphins in the brain; and showed that
endorphins are activated by stress and cause pain inhibition.
Dr. Akil’s current research investigates
the genetic, molecular and neural mechanisms underlying stress, addiction and
mood disorders. She is engaged in large scale studies to discover new genes and
proteins that cause vulnerability to major depression and bipolar illness. She
is the author of over 500 original scientific papers, and has been recognized
as one of the most highly cited neuroscientists by the ISI Citation Index.
Dr. Akil‘s scientific contributions have
been recognized with numerous honors and awards. These include the Pacesetter
Award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 1993, and with Dr. Stanley
Watson, the Pasarow Award for Neuroscience Research in 1994. In 1998, she
received the Sachar Award from Columbia University and the Bristol Myers Squibb
Unrestricted Research Funds Award. She is also the recipient of the Society for
Neuroscience Mika Salpeter Lifetime Achievement Award and the Patricia
Goldman-Rakic Prize for Cognitive Neuroscience (2007). In 1994, she was elected
to the membership of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of
Science. She was elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science in 2000. In 2004, she was elected to the American
Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Cato Laurencin, M.D. Ph.D.
Friday, June 12th, Bighorn Room - 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Dr. Cato Laurencin, M.D. Ph.D. is a University Professor at the University of Connecticut and is the Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is internationally renowned for his scientific work in biomaterials, stem cell science, nanotechnology, drug delivery systems, and a new field he has pioneered, regenerative engineering. He and his colleagues were the first to develop nanofiber technologies for tissue regeneration and his group is credited for pioneering polymer-ceramic systems for bone regeneration. As an engineer/scientist and practicing surgeon, Laurencin has been in a unique position to develop new technologies and bring those technologies to patients. Work in the development of engineered systems for bone and ligament regeneration have inspired new technologies that are now available to patients, that are FDA cleared, and/or present in the clinical pipeline.Dr. Laurencin earned his B.S.E. degree in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University and his M.D., Magna Cum Laude from the Harvard Medical School where he received the Robinson Award for Surgery. He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Laurencin completed residency training at the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Surgery Program where he was Chief Resident in Orthopaedic Surgery at the Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School. He completed fellowship training in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery, Cornell Medical College, in New York.
Dr. Laurencin has also been honored with numerous awards for his work. The American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering awarded him the Pierre Galletti Award, medical and biological engineering’s highest honor. His work on engineering tissues was honored by Scientific American Magazine as one of the 50 greatest achievements in science in 2007. His work was also highlighted by National Geographic Magazine in its “100 Discoveries That Have Changed Our World” edition. Dr. Laurencin is also the recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in ceremonies at the White House. It is the highest honor bestowed in America for technological achievement.
Douglas R. Lowy, M.D.
Sunday, June 14th, Bighorn Room - 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Douglas R. Lowy, M.D., is Chief of the
Laboratory of Cellular Oncology and he is the current Acting Director of the
National Cancer Institute (NCI). Since 2010, has also served as the Deputy
Director of the NCI. Dr. Lowy received his medical degree from New York
University School of Medicine in 1968, and trained in internal medicine at
Stanford University and dermatology at Yale University. He has directed a
research laboratory at NCI since 1975, after receiving training as a Research
Associate in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr.
Lowy is a member of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and of the Institute
of Medicine of the NAS. For his research with John Schiller on technology that
enabled the preventive HPV vaccines, he and Dr. Schiller have jointly received
numerous honors, including the 2007 Federal Employee of the Year Service to
America Medal from the Partnership for Public Service, the 2011 Albert B. Sabin
Gold Medal Award, the 2012 National Medal of Technology & Innovation
(awarded in 2014), and the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, the
country’s most prestigious honor for biomedical research. Dr. Lowy has also
received the National Medal of Honor for Basic Research from the American
Cancer Society.
Dr. Lowy has two main research areas.
One focuses on basic and translational aspects of human papillomavirus
infection. His joint research with John Schiller in the Laboratory of Cellular
Oncology (LCO) has identified many aspects of the human papillomavirus (HPV)
life cycle, developed technology underlying the FDA-approved HPV vaccines, and
elucidated mechanisms for the high efficacy of the vaccines. The second area
focuses on cancer genes, currently emphasizing the DLC1 tumor suppressor, which
encodes a Rho-GAP that is down-regulated in a wide variety of cancers, leading
to the high Rho activity seen in many advanced cancers. This research has
identified important scaffold functions for DLC1, including protein-protein
interactions that contribute to the regulation of its activity and its role as
a tumor suppressor, and identified kinases that activate and inactivate the
functions of DLC1 and the mechanisms by which they do so.
Padmanee Sharma, M.D. Ph.D.
Saturday, June 13th, Bighorn Room - 11:00 - 12:00 PM
Dr. Sharma is a leading figure in oncology, specializing in
renal, bladder and prostate cancer. Her primary focus is to understand the
mechanisms and pathways within the immune system responsible for tumor
rejection. Her immunotherapy work includes numerous collaborations with Dr. James P. Allison who received the 2018 Nobel
Prize in Medicine. Dr. Sharma has tested new prostate cancer immunotherapies,
looking for differences in T cell subsets and function between pre-therapy
blood and tissue samples versus post-therapy blood and tissue samples.
She has received the ASCO Young Investigator Award, the MD
Anderson Physician Scientist Award and ASCO Career Development Award and her
research enabled her to compete successfully for the Doris Duke Clinical
Scientist Development Award and the American Cancer Society Mentored Research
Scholar Grant. Dr. Sharma is also an investigator on awarded AACR/SU2C/CRI
cancer immunotherapy dream team grant. Dr. Sharma attended Boston University
for her B.A. in Biology and M.A. in biotechnology. She also holds a Ph.D. in
immunology and M.D. from Pennsylvania State University. She received her
residency training in Internal Medicine at Cornell Medical Center and her
fellowship training in Medical Oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Center.
Student Presentations:
Oral Presentations Sessions:
Saturday June 13th, Ptarmigan Rooms, Multiple Sessions
Abstracts for the 34th Annual MD/PhD National Student Conference have been selected!
Congratulations to those selected to give oral presentation at the 34th Annual National MD PhD Student Conference! We received an abundance of very competitive abstracts for a limited number of oral presentation slots. After an extensive and challenging review process, the planning committee selected a total of 24 outstanding abstracts to cover a broad range of biomedical research topics distributed across 8 major sessions:
Session # 1: Saturday, June 13th 9:00 - 10:00 AM
1) Cancer Biology
2) Bio-engineering & Structure Biology
Session # 2: Saturday, June 13th 10:00 - 11:00 AM
3) Molecular & Cellular Biology
4) Immunology
Session # 3: Saturday, June 13th 1:00 - 2:00 PM
5) Neuroscience
6) Microbiology
Session # 4: Saturday, June 13th 2:00 - 3:00 PM
7) General Medicine 1
8) General Medicine 2
Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract. As mentioned, this years selection process was highly competitive. The planning committee enjoyed reading each submission and we look forward to learning more about your research during our poster presentations!
Poster Sessions:
Session # 1: Friday, June 12th, Kokopelli's Trail - 7:00 - 8:00 PM,
Session # 2: Saturday, June 13th, Kokopelli's Trail - 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Session Information: Poster board size: 40 x 60 inches
Diversity Travel Award:
Diversity Travel Awards in the amount of $1000 each are being offered. The intent of these travel awards is to increase attendance of diverse students to the National MD/PhD Student Conference. Recipients of Travel Awards will be chosen on a competitive basis by a review committee. The key criterion for selection will be the quality of the research abstract submitted by the award applicant describing their recent scientific work
Diversity Travel Award Deadline: May 19th, 2019
Diversity Awards for the 2019 National MD PhD Student Conference have been awarded. Congratulations to all our awardees and thank you to all who submitted.
PSTP Residency Planning & Research Resources Showcases
Saturday, June 13th - 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Research Residency & PSTP Showcase
Jack's Foodcourt - 3:00 - 5:00 PM
In addition to being a fantastic student conference in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, the National MD/PhD program is a great way to learn about future career paths after your MD/PhD training. In particular, this year's conference will feature a residency exhibit session that will delve into research track and physician scientist training residency programs. Residency directors from across the country including Baylor, Vanderbilt, UNC, Harvard, and many more will be here to talk to students. We will have residency directors in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry and more specialties give a short panel explaining the basic premise of research residencies. After this, students will have the opportunity to talk to each of the directors in a career fair/exhibit booth style.
Confirmed Programs:
- Baylor, Pediatrics
- Cinncinati Childrens, Pediatrics
- U. Cinncinati, Internal Medicine
- Duke, Internal Medicine
- Harvard, Internal Medicine
- U. Colorado, Internal Medicine
- U. Iowa, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, & Psychiatry
- U. Minnesota, Internal Medicine
- U. North Carolina, Internal Medicine
- Northwestern, Internal Medicine
- Ohio State, Internal Medicine
- Penn State, Internal Medicine
- Stanford, Anesthesiology
- Vanderbilt, Internal Medicine
Research Resources Showcase
Kokopelli's Trail - 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Geared to introduce MD PhD students to exciting research opportunities and useful resources for research. Featuring representatives from specialized research foundations, scientific vendors, and other academic resources. The showcase will include an ice cream social, generously sponsored the Foundation for Anesthesiology Education and Research (FAER), starting at 4:00 PM in the outdoor bar area. To participate in the ice cream social, please visit the FAER booth during our showcase.
Featuring:
MD PhD Career Panel : Paths of an MD PhD
Sunday, June 14th, Bighorn Room - 2:00 - 2:45 PM
As a physician-scientist, you will have many choices to shape your career to the way you want it. Learn about all of the various paths that lay ahead during this panel discussion with a facilitated question and answer session.
Invited Panelists:
Maria Amaya, MD PhD
Second year University of Colorado Hematology/Oncology Fellow
Daniel Sherbenou, MD PhD
Assistant Professor at University of Colorado School of Medicine, Division of Hematology
Benjamin Young, MD PhD
Senior Global Medical Director at ViiV Healthcare
Breakout Sessions
Sunday, June 14th, Various Locations - 3:15 - 5:00 PM
Research Ethics - led by Mary Allen, Ph.D.
A
thought-provoking discussion on issues regarding data falsification, rigor in
research, and challenges as a graduate student.
Women and Minorities in Science: Changing the
Paradigm - led by Judith Kaur, M.D.
Engage in
an important conversation about equity and diversity, and learn how you can make
the difference in tomorrow's world.
Scientific Communication - led by Jay Vyas, M.D. Ph.D.
Scientific communication plays a crucial role in diseminating research discoveries to broader, non-academic audiences and society at large. Effective communication fosters support for science, promotes public understanding of its relevence to society, and encorages more informed decision making at all levels. Learn from Harvard's IM PSTP Director Jay Vyas, and build your presentation and communication skills to better advocate for your science
Should I Learn How to Code? Skills of a 21st Century
Investigator - led by Larry Hunter, Ph.D.
Did you
ever take that Python class in college? Do you wonder if you can implement
computer coding in your project? Come listen to the founder of Bioinformatics
as he addresses these questions.
Conference Activites
Sunday, June 14th, Various Locations - 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
On Sunday, you will have the option
of experiencing some of the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains
by participating in one of the following activities, led by incredible members of CU MSTP. (For all hikes,
please bring the following: a pair of supportive shoes or boots, sunscreen,
water, snack food, loose-fitting clothes, a warm layer, and a
rain/wind-resistant layer.)
Advanced Hike: Atlantic Peak - 4.5 mile round trip.
The summit of Atlantic Peak features outstanding views of the Ten Mile Range. With the
summit reigning at 13,841 ft, Atlantic Peak is in the Top 100 peaks in Colorado by
elevation. The trailhead starts at the same point as Mayflower Gulch (the intermediate
hike) and features 2,500 feet gain in elevation. From Mayflower Gulch, you will ascend
along the west ridge line of the mountain and approach the summit from the Northwest
side. This trail is rated as Class 2 and features some steep sections but minimal
exposure. Experienced hiking and proper equipment (hiking boots, rain gear, and plenty
of water) are required for this hike.
Intermediate Hike: Mayflower Gulch - 3.5 mile round trip.
Mayflower Gulch is a high elevation valley above 12,0000 ft. This hike begins on an old
mining trail through the forest and leads up to the ruins of the Boston Mines - you'll
witness old wooden mills and perhaps evidence of tools the miners used over 100 years
ago! Once arriving at the Gulch, you will have the chance to explore all around the gulch
and take in the views. This hike does feature significant elevation gain and uphill climbs
at parts. This hike is recommended for folks with intermediate hiking experience.
Beginner Hike: Officers Gulch - 1.7 mile round trip.
This beautiful hike is located near Frisco, Colorado and is great for all skill levels. The
hike ends at a peaceful, high alpine lake that features trout and other wildlife. The Blue
River feeds into the lake on the north end. If you are looking for a light hike to explore
around the lake, watch people fishing, and relax on a Colorado summer day, this hike is
for you!
Alpine Fishing trip: Black Lakes Vail. Spend the day fishing the beautiful and accessible Black Lakes area for trout with our
two student guides. Rod and reel (fly and spinning/conventional) provided, although
spots are limited to 12. A one-day Colorado fishing license for Sunday July 14th is
required. These can be purchased online at https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/
Fishing.aspx for both non-resident and resident licenses. Non-resident costs are
$16.75. We will cover transportation to and from the fishing area. E-mail
mdphdnationalconference@gmail.com prior to buying a license to confirm your spot.
Copper Resort Activities: Copper resort offers a host of exciting activities for you to enjoy! Day passes are avaliable for an additional fee, at a group rate for $65. Day pass includes (3) Bungee, (1) Go Kart ride, (1) Zip Line, (2) WreckTangle, (1) Rocky Mountain Coaster ride, and unlimited access to Mini Golf, Boating Activities, and Climbing Wall. Activities a-la-carte-$13 each ($2 off full price).
About Copper
Please click here for Copper Check-In information.
Where should I stay?
Please read the following information from the resort about booking a room for the conference:
To ensure that rooming requirements can be accommodated properly, we ask that individual reservations be made prior to Friday, June 21, 2019. Rooms will be booked based on space and availability after this time. The contracted rates will be honored up to 3 days before and 3 days after the meeting dates, based on availability. Please call 888-760-7561 to make lodging reservations. Use discount code 4086 for reduced room rates. For further information visit their website at www.coppercolorado.com. If you would like to share a room with attendees from other MD/PhD programs, please see and like our conference Facebook page.
How long should I plan on staying for the conference?
Conference check-in opens at 2pm, room check-in begins at 4pm and dinner begins at 5 pm on Friday, July 12th. The conference concludes late Sunday evening and we recommend you plan to stay in Copper through Monday morning, July 15.
How far Copper?
100 miles, or about 2 hours in normal traffic
(which can be unpredictable). You should plan to fly in around noon on Friday,
July 12th to allow yourself plenty of time to arrive in Copper and get checked
in by 5pm.
How do I get to Copper?
Physical Address: 0509 Copper Road, Copper Mountain, CO 80443. Lodging Check-In is on the second level above the Athletic Club.
There are several ways to get to Copper Mountain. Please visit this page for more information: https://www.coppercolorado.com/plan-your-trip/getting-here/how-to-get-here
Lodge Contact Information:
For Guest Services & General Information about Copper Mountain please call 866.841.2481 or 970.968.2318.
Resort Transport Information:
Please take advantage of our complimentary shuttle transportation system throughout the resort. Pick-up times vary. Transportation on-call is available by calling 970-368-2002 between 8:30 AM-11:00 PM. Times and availability can vary depending on time of year.
What should I bring with me?
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and a water bottle: The
elevation at Copper is ~9,700 ft. It is easy to get dehydrated, so drink plenty
of water. This NEJM article
has more information.
- Jacket: Average July high and low are 65°F and 48°F. On Sunday morning there will be
optional conference activities, some of which are outdoors. It might rain.
- Scientific curiosity: It is a science
conference, after all.
Thank you to all of our amazing Sponsors!
We look forward to seeing you in July!!!
