Pulse

Symposium inspires medical student research

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students sharing their research posters in a hallway.

The walkways of Lewis Hall hummed with excitement as dozens of medical students presented their research at the inaugural Jonathan D. Siegel, MD ’98, Medical Student Research Symposium.

The event was a culmination of a year-long revitalization of EVMS Medical Student Research (MSR), a program created to foster a culture of innovation and discovery among medical students by providing them with training, resources, and mentors to pursue their research interests.  

Medical students filled the halls and auditoriums sharing their work with fellow students, staff and faculty. They were able to field questions and gain real-world experience in presenting their research.

“It was exciting to witness the presentations and discussions that unfolded at the symposium knowing that they represent the culmination of hard-work and passion for discovery,” says Joshua Edwards, MPH, Director of Medical Student Research. “My hope is that this event will inspire and empower us all to continue pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge and transforming the future of healthcare.”

The research event bears the name of Jonathan D. Siegel, MD (MD ’98), in grateful recognition of his invaluable support to the program. Mr. Edwards says Dr. Siegel’s dedication to Medical Student Research serves as an inspiration to us all. “Not only has his guidance been instrumental in everything we have accomplished thus far – but his support has forever shaped Medical Student Research at EVMS,” Mr. Edwards says. “We can’t thank him enough for helping us continue to push boundaries and advance healthcare through student research.”

Dr. Siegel also served as the keynote speaker for the inaugural event. 

Natascha Heise, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Anatomy, received the symposium's Outstanding Faculty Mentorship Award. The Gynecological Surgery Group received the Outstanding Contribution to Medical Student Research award.

With the success of this year’s symposium, MSR hopes to make it an annual event.