Annual Retreat
M. Kerry O'Banion, MD, PhD
This year’s retreat took place Friday, August 7, 2009 in Canandaigua, NY at Steamboat Landing, home of the Canandaigua Lady, a historic steamboat. We welcomed 8 incoming students this year, one of whom presented her research from an NIH fellowship. One current student also gave an oral presentation, as well as Elizabeth McAnarney, M.D., Acting Dean of the School of Medicine who spoke onPhysicians and science: A strong union. Keynote speaker was Randy Rosier, M.D., Ph.D., alumnus of the MD/PhD Program and one of the first MD/PhD students at University of Rochester! Dr. Rosier is Professor of Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation, Biochemistry & Biophysics at UR. He spoke on “Translational journeys in orthopaedic research”. After lunch and photos, a poster session was held by 15 current students who presented their research. Four MSTP students gave a synopsis of their trip to the annual MD/PhD Program Student Conference in Keystone, Colorado in July. Laura Fornarola was the student council event chair for the past year who organized the retreat. Laura did a wonderful job for the final event of her tenure!
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 followed by a gathering of students, their families and friends for a catered dinner, games, and water sports.
