A total of 332 abstracts were submitted this year, a dramatic increase from the prior record of 268 set last year. While the Divisions of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine and General Internal Medicine submitted the most abstracts, all DOM divisions and institutes were represented, with subject matter spanning the full spectrum of research from basic science to translational and clinical, as well as health services, quality improvement, and medical education. Abstracts were rated by multiple judges, who selected eight individuals to present the most exceptional and innovative topics as plenary talks, with additional awards presented to the most outstanding posters. Jared Magnani, MD, MSc, was also honored as the LEAD Resident Research Mentor of the Year.
Following the poster presentations, attendees were treated to a keynote presentation from noted physician-scientist, Anna Greka, MD, PhD. A professor at Harvard Medical School and the Broad Institute, Dr. Greka researches the fundamental mechanisms of disrupted cellular homeostasis in genetically defined kidney, metabolic, and degenerative diseases, with particular emphasis on membrane proteins. In her inspiring talk, “Membrane biology in health and disease: A physician-scientist’s journey,” Dr. Greka described how her lab has uncovered convergent “nodal” biological pathways that drive genetic diseases across unexpectedly diverse cell types and organs. She also highlighted how these discoveries have led to new opportunities for therapeutic intervention, with several of these findings now advancing into clinical trials with promising results.
The afternoon of Research Day was dedicated to supporting early career scientists through focused discussion groups and dynamic panel sessions. Residents participated in two interactive discussions led by Benjamin Zuchelkowski, MD, MS: To Fellowship and Beyond: What You Should Be Asking During Your Fellowship Interview and Mentorship Matters: Experiences and Lessons Learned. Meanwhile, postdoctoral fellows joined a career panel hosted by Sruti Shiva, PhD, and Iain Scott, PhD, featuring Pitt DOM alumnae who have pursued diverse career paths. Panelists included:
- Anastasia Gorelova, PhD, a former VMI graduate student who is now a senior science writing manager at UPMC
- Eileen Wong, PhD, who is currently a Health Program Analyst at RL Klein & Associates, supporting the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
- Charly Lai, PhD, a former DOM postdoctoral fellow and now assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep & Occupational Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine
- Chelsea Merkel, PhD, a product manager for cell line engineering and products at Revvity Preclinical Services.
Panelists shared candid reflections on the challenges and turning points in their careers, the advice they wish they had known earlier, and practical tips for navigating transitions to the next career stage. Their insights provided valuable guidance and inspiration for the next generation of physician-scientists and researchers.