South Eastern Medical Scientist Symposium (SEMSS) 2024 Celebrates a Successful Weekend

Nashville, TN – September 22, 2024 – This past weekend, on September 21-22, the South Eastern Medical Scientist Symposium (SEMSS), an APSA-associated regional conference, brought together over 300 attendees for a vibrant gathering of scientific minds at Vanderbilt University, hosted by the Vanderbilt MSTP. The symposium welcomed participants from 71 institutions across the U.S., including undergraduates, current medical and graduate trainees, and residents, all united by their pursuit of careers as physician-scientists.

The keynote speakers provided inspiration and insight throughout the weekend. Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, PhD, MD, President and CEO of Meharry Medical College, kicked off the event with a compelling address. Dr. Hildreth shared his personal journey as a pioneering physician-scientist, emphasizing the role of mentors who champion success, and discussed his groundbreaking research on HIV. His reflections underscored the impact physician-scientists have in advancing medical knowledge and public health.

Closing out the symposium, Dr. Duane Mitchell, MD, PhD, Phyllis Kottler Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida, delivered a powerful keynote on the critical role of physician-scientists in advancing cancer immunology. Dr. Mitchell’s message encouraged the next generation of researchers to follow their passions and remain committed to scientific inquiry in order to improve patient care and drive medical innovation.

Attendees enjoyed two dynamic days filled with research presentations, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and even some friendly competition during a trivia session. Panels covered essential topics such as admissions into physician-scientist training programs, advocacy for the physician-scientist community, and career trajectories following training.

The symposium also highlighted the incredible research being conducted by students and trainees across various institutions, with many taking the opportunity to present their own work and receive feedback from peers and mentors. The energy of the event reinforced the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and the shared goal of advancing scientific discovery for the benefit of patients everywhere.

APSA extends its heartfelt congratulations to the SEMSS Committee for orchestrating such a successful conference and a special thanks to the Vanderbilt MSTP for their outstanding efforts in hosting this year’s event.