Medical Scientist Training Program attempts to celebrate 40th anniversary, actually celebrates 42nd

Kyle Koster, Alumni Council Representative

MSTP Anniversary Celebration Attendants

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) held its 40th Anniversary Celebration on October 9, 2015, in conjunction with Meliora Weekend and School of Medicine & Dentistry class reunions. Alumni from all phases of training—including residency/fellowship trainees, mid-career physician scientists, and distinguished faculty—joined current students, faculty, and staff for a day of history, science, and celebration.

The morning started out with coffee, breakfast, and a brief history of the University of Rochester MSTP. Surprisingly, we discovered that we were celebrating our 42nd anniversary of funding from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences; during the event preparation, our long-time administrator, Cathy Senecal-Rice, discovered that we were funded on a different grant number for two years prior to the current grant!

The rest of the morning was highlighted by fantastic scientific talks from Virginia Winn (Stanford), Lenny Dragone (Genentech), Brad Berk (Director, UR Neurorestorative Institute; former CEO of URMC), and keynote speaker Eddy Rubin (Director, Dept. of Energy Joint Genome Institute). After lunch, alumni and students reconvened for a career panel and a poster session.

After a full day of science, the current program and its alumni met at the Hyatt for cocktails, dinner, and merriment. A special thanks to all who attended, and we hope to see everyone again in 8 years!