From poster sessions to plenary talks, this year’s 24th Annual Department of Medicine Research Day once again showcased the breadth, innovation, and collaborative spirit of research across the DOM. Held at the Petersen Events Center on April 27- 28, DOM Research Day brought together trainees, junior faculty, mentors, and staff for two days of scientific exchange, professional development, and celebration.
A total of 248 abstracts were submitted this year, representing every division and institute and spanning the full spectrum of biomedical inquiry, from basic and translational science to clinical research, health services, quality improvement, and medical education. Following an initial review by multiple judges, 13 investigators were selected to present plenary talks highlighting some of the Department’s most innovative work, while outstanding posters and mentors were recognized with awards presented throughout the two-day event. In addition, 3rd year resident Dr. Catherine Pressimone presented Dr. Margaret Shang with the LEAD Resident Research Mentor of the Year award.
As in year’s past, organizers also provided career development opportunities for the DOM’s postdoctoral fellows with a career roundtable. Led by Iain Scott, PhD, the session featured DOM faculty members and alumni who have pursued careers spanning academia, industry, and medical communications, providing attendees with candid perspectives on career transitions, professional challenges, and lessons learned along the way. Panelists included Marta Bueno, PhD, and Samit Ghosh, PhD, both DOM faculty; Bellina Mushala, PhD, a clinical research scientist with Eli Lilly; and Aaron Johnson, PhD, a medical writer with Vaniam Group.
The return of Residents and Clinical Fellows Night provided physician trainees an opportunity to share their scholarly work with faculty mentors, judges, and colleagues, reflecting the DOM’s continued commitment to support physician scientist training. Research Day continued Tuesday with poster presentations and plenary sessions featuring junior faculty, postdoctoral fellows, medical students, residents, fellows, and research staff from across the Department.
Another highlight of this year’s events was keynote speaker Wolfram Goessling, MD, PhD, Chair of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, Chief of Internal Medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital, and Physician-in-Chief for Medicine across the Yale New Haven Health System. On Monday evening, Dr. Goessling shared reflections on his own career path with residents and fellows before returning Tuesday to deliver the keynote Medical Grand Rounds lecture, “Regulation of Liver Growth: Changing Fate Through Stress,” which explored advances in understanding liver regeneration and their implications for human disease.