Retreat

The annual MSTP Retreat was held at the Rochester Yacht Club on beautiful Lake Ontario (15 minutes from downtown Rochester) on Friday, August 10, 2012. Nine incoming students were introduced and welcomed by Dr. Kerry O’Banion, MSTP Director. This was followed by 7 student oral presentations on research, returning to third year medical school and how to choose a residency program in the fourth year of medical school. Keynote speaker Mark Noble, Ph.D., Professor of Genetics and of Neurobiology & Anatomy presented a very stimulating talk entitled The Momentum of Belief.

After lunch and dessert (a scrumptious sundae bar!), students presented posters on their hobbies such as curling, eating ice cream (we detect a theme here!), traveling, rock climbing and playing board games. The four students who attend the National MD/PhD Program Student Conference in Colorado summarized their weekend. That was followed by elections for the MSTP Student Council positions. The day ended early, much to everyone’s delight and the weekend began!

2013 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 on August 9, 2013. 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, the Inn on Lake Canandaigua, and the Rochester Yacht Club. 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.