59th Annual Senior Scientific Session
On Thursday, May 5th, 33 fourth year students -- representing 32% of the graduating class -- participated in the 59th Annual Senior Scientific Session. The overall Chairman of the event was Lou Philipson, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, with Section Chairs consisting of Eugene Chang, MD, Professor of Medicine, William McDade, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and Associate Dean for Multicultural Affairs, and Leo Towle, PhD, Professor of Neurology and Surgery.
The Senior Scientific Session, established in 1946 by Leon O. Jacobson, was designed to provide senior medical students with a forum in which to present their research. It was Dr. Jacobson's conviction that no other single demonstration so clearly illustrates the caliber of our graduates and the quality of their education. In addition to the students, faculty sponsors and discussants also attended the event. Each student participant gave a 10-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute discussion led by a faculty member. Four prizes were awarded by the judges and given to the winning students at the Divisional Academic Ceremony on June 10, 2005. The winners of the four awards from the 59th Annual Senior Scientific Session are:
Edward Pirok, III, MD, PhD and Michael Spiotto, MD, PhD -- The Leon O. Jacobson Basic Science Prize for the most meritorious basic science research performed by an MD, PhD student.
Eric Goren, MD -- The Leon O. Jacobson Prize for the best oral presentation given by a non-PhD student in the area of basic science investigation of research done in medical school.
Ashish Bhimani, MD and Nonyem Onujiogu, MD -- The Catherine Dobson Prize for best oral presentation given by a non-PhD student in the area of clinical investigation of research done in medical school.
Charles Kaufman, MD, PhD -- The Medical and Biological Sciences Alumni Prize for the best overall presentation given of research done in medical school.