BWWC Physician Scientist Program Trainees

Research topic/interests: Presynaptic molecular mechanisms controlling neurotransmission and their modulation by anesthetics

I am applied to the Burroughs Wellcome Weill Cornell program because it focused on the unique challenges of MD-only scientists, offered longitudinal support, and promoted mentorship throughout the institution and beyond. The program has provided invaluable mentorship, a supportive community of physician-scientists at my career stage, and resources to facilitate my laboratory studies

Research topic/interests: My research involves using molecular neuroscience and neural circuitry mechanistic studies to contribute to the pathophysiology and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, specifically anxiety-based and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders.  

I applied to the Burroughs Wellcome Weill Cornell Physician Scientist Academy program because of its strong dedication to developing early-stage physician scientists who have completed their clinical training but needed more postgraduate research training to develop their scientific career. This program has been invaluable in supporting my vision for translating basic neuroscience research to the bedside by providing me with both practical financial support as well as a platform to network with experts in the field who are helping me translate my basic research work to patients in the clinic.

Research topic/interests: Defining impact of somatic mutations in neoplastic hematopoiesis via single-cell multi-omics

There is an inherent degree of unpredictability in biomedical research and, subsequently, in a research career. This program helps remove some of the unpredictability and formalize the physician-scientist path. The program has been a critical source of support and structure that are often lacking for the physician-scientist track, particularly for MD only aspiring scientists.

Research topic/interests: Drug-resistant tuberculosis 

I applied to the BWWC Physician Scientist Program so that I could access individualized training unique to physician researchers. The Program has facilitated networking with leading researchers in the field outside my institution which is particularly difficult during pandemic times. It has also provided financial support to enable better balance between clinical demands and protected research time. 

Research topic/interests: Precision medicine and machine learning applications in neuropathology

I applied to the Burroughs Wellcome Weill Cornell Program to help me develop the skills necessary to be a physician scientist. The program has been a great support, providing me mentorship and resources important to both my research work and professional development.

Research topic/interests: My research is about HIV associated malignancies- virus and host mechanisms of disease with a focus on HIV associated Kaposi Sarcoma.

As a developing physician scientist, I recognized that the path to research independence is not very well defined for MD-only trainees.  I wanted to join once I learned that the mission of the Burroughs Wellcome Weill Cornell Physician-Scientist Academy is to foster the success of developing physician scientists by providing a structured program, incorporating early recognition of essential needs of networking and support in meeting goals of technical and academic career growth. I have found that this program is doing just that in providing additional necessary structure to better develop my academic career plan and creating essential opportunities for networking and critical discussions regarding career development.

Research topic/interests: Tumor immunology and cancer genetics.  Defining the role of chromosome instability and DNA sensing pathway in tumor metastasis 

I applied for the Burroughs Wellcome Weill Cornell program given its dedication to fostering the next generation of physician scientists. As an aspiring physician scientist, I have found this program to provide the support, mentorship, networking, and collegiality among like-minded individuals who share the vision in integrating medicine and research to make a transformative impact on patient care and advancing scientific knowledge.

Research topic/interests: Hematopoiesis in myeloproliferative neoplasms

I applied to the Burroughs Wellcome Weill Cornell Physician Scientist program for its structured and individualized approach to address the challenges facing MD-only physician-scientists. The program has offered mentorship, financial support and networking opportunities critical to early academic career development.

Research topic/interest: Fibrinolytic alterations in cirrhosis and its contribution to thrombotic consequences such as portal vein thrombosis

I applied to the Burroughs-Wellcome Physician Scientist Program to overcome the challenges of an MD-only scientist pursuing laboratory-based career. This program provides a unique opportunity to receive structured multidisciplinary mentorship and access the network of physician-scientists to learn how become a successful and independent investigator. 

Research topic/interest:  Therapy resistance in colorectal cancer 

I applied to the Burroughs Wellcome Weill Cornell Physician Scientist program because of its focus and commitment to address the challenges of MD-only physician-scientists, through individualized and longitudinal mentorship. The program has provided me with important mentoring and networking experiences that will be critical as I make my transition towards a career as an independent laboratory-based investigator. 

Research topic/interests:  Tissue engineering — particularly as it relates to decellularization of cartilage in the fabrication of patient-specific surgical implants. 

I applied to this program because I hope to one day pursue an interdisciplinary career in medicine and research and being in this program is providing me with the exposure, structure, skills, and foundational networks necessary to pursue the rigorous pathway of being an investigative physician.

Research topic/interests:  Device development, stem cell research, and tissue engineering

I applied to the Burroughs Wellcome Weill Cornell Physician Scientist Program in order to meet others on the path to becoming physician-scientists and to find ample mentoring that will increase my future success in starting my own translational science laboratory.

Research topic/interests:  CAR T Cell Therapy in Brain Malignancies  

I applied to the Burroughs Wellcome Weill Cornell Program for its emphasis on training MD-only physician scientists. The mentorship, networking, and multidisciplinary training provided by the program will help me overcome many of the unique challenges in pursuing a future career in science and academic medicine.

Research topic/interests:  My broad interests include systems neuroscience and how disruptions in brain connectivity contribute to human disease. Specifically, I am interested in the application of brain-computer interfaces in cognitive motor dissociation. 

I applied to the Burroughs Wellcome Weill Cornell Physician Scientist program because of its structured approach to fostering the development of MD-only physician scientists. As a first-generation student, I hope to use the resources, mentorship, networking, and support of this program to achieve my goal of becoming a medical research scientist and contributing to the future of patient care and the advancement of scientific knowledge. 

Research topic/interests: Impact of sphingolipids on Premature Lungs / Lung growth and development.

Since early in my career, research has become one of my passions. I learned new techniques and made significant progress on my own and with the extraordinary support of my mentors. I firmly believe that if we dedicate adequate time and energy, we are able to succeed. Early, I understood and recognized that adequate guidance, mentorship, and support are the key to research. The Burroughs Wellcome Weill, Cornell Physician Scientist Program, will further solidify my expertise to achieve my ultimate goal of becoming an independent investigator in the field of BPD. The Program will provide me with the tools to design, fund, and complete my projects, from acquiring specialized skills to manuscript and grant writing.

Research topic/interests: The immune microenvironment in follicular lymphoma. 

I applied to the program in order to gain mentorship and support as I pursue a career as a physician-scientist in lymphoma.

Research topic/interests:  Immunological changes occurring during parasitic infections and the consequences for subsequent bacterial and viral infections. 

The Burroughs program is a unique opportunity to obtain further guidance and support in perusing a laboratory based scientific career as a MD.

Research topic/interests: Defining molecular features of CAR T cell fitness using single-cell multiomics.

I applied to the Burroughs-Wellcome Physician Scientist Program for support and mentorship as an MD-only aspiring physician-scientist. The program provides structure and guidance for developing a multidisciplinary career and wonderful opportunities to connect with a community of physician-scientists.

Research topic/interests: Tumor immunology, tumorigenesis, with a focus on primary cancers of the brain.

Having formerly worked in a predominantly biostatistical/quantitative role, I knew that I would need the time and support pursuing primary discovery at the bench in order to round out my skills as an aspiring neurosurgeon-scientist. The BWWC program allows me to achieve this end, and I am grateful for the support and opportunities it provides at this critical professional juncture. 

Research topic/interests:  Molecular mechanisms of soft tissue injury and healing, tendon mechanobiology, and mitochondrial dysfunction in musculoskeletal fibrosis.

As an aspiring physician scientist, I applied to the Burroughs Wellcome Weill Cornell Physician Scientist program because I strongly believe in its mission to nurture the growth of MD-only physician scientists who can bridge the gap between research and patient care, advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes. The program's emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration, abundant resources, and dedicated mentoring will provide a solid foundation for me to develop as a researcher and pursue my aspiration of leading a translational research laboratory.