Annual Retreat
Retreat Info
A day-long retreat is scheduled for all MD/PhD students and a subset of faculty involved in the program at an off campus site early in the academic year, typically the Friday prior to the day medical school starts. Planned by the MD/PhD Student Council, this event welcomes new students to the program and consists of a balance of research presentations (students and an invited scientist) and social activities. The event provides an opportunity to discuss programmatic issues that affect all students. The membership of the student council is also established. Previous venues have been at a Finger Lakes winery, an Inn in Letchworth State Park, and an Inn on Lake Canandaigua. The food and company are always outstanding. Traditionally our retreats are preceded by a gathering of students, their families and friends for a catered dinner, games, and water sports.
-Catherine Senecal-Rice, MSTP Administrator, and M. Kerry O'Banion, MD, PhD, MSTP Director
Our Keynote speaker Stephen Hammes, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Chief of Endocrinology
This year's retreat took place at the historic Glen Iris Inn in beautiful Letchworth State Park, the
Grand Canyon of the East. It was held Friday, August 5, 2011. We welcomed 7 incoming students from all over the country, then listened to fascinating research and clinical presentations by 7 MSTP students. Keynote speaker was Stephen Hammes, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Chief of Endocrinology. Dr. Hammes' talk was entitledAre We There Yet? How to Succeed (?) in Science Without Really Planning; Dr. Hammes is also a member of the MSTP Admissions Committee. His talk was followed by a group photo in front of the middle falls, then a delicious buffet lunch.Afterward, we drifted outside under the cool, shady trees to enjoy a poster session highlighting hobbies and recent vacations of current students. That was followed by a presentation given by students attending the annual MD/PhD National Student Conference in Keystone, CO. We ended the day with Student Council elections. The crème-de-la-crème was when the MSTP staff indulged in refreshing cocktails on the veranda overlooking the falls for a grand finale to a perfect Retreat!
