Building Pathways for Future Medical Researchers: The MSTP Initiative
In an effort to inspire and guide the next generation of medical researchers, the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has established a dynamic partnership with local high schools. This initiative aims to recruit and nurture students, particularly from diverse backgrounds, into promising careers in biomedical research. Under the dedicated leadership of administrative director Santos Cayetano, the MSTP is making significant strides in changing the landscape of medical research representation.
Bridging the Gap: Engaging with Diverse Communities
Cayetano recognizes the challenges faced by students from underrepresented backgrounds who lack exposure to the world of biomedical research. “Especially students from diverse backgrounds who don’t get exposure,” he noted, emphasizing the critical need for initiatives that reach out to these communities. By collaborating with high schools in Miami, the MSTP seeks to illuminate the field of medical research and present it as a viable and rewarding career path.
Cayetano forged a meaningful relationship with his former high school, South Bronx High School, where he once walked the halls as a student. In May, a group of eager students from this New York City school had the opportunity to visit Miami. During their time at the Miller School, they engaged with researchers, met scientists, and learned about various career trajectories in the field of medicine and science.
First-Hand Experience: Student-Recruitment Strategies
During their visit, the high school students interacted with M.D./Ph.D. students who shared their personal journeys—why they chose to pursue medical research and how they overcame obstacles to reach their goals. These candid conversations serve as powerful motivators. “They say, ‘This is why I’m here. This is how I got here. This is why you should consider this,’” Cayetano recounted. This direct engagement is critical for students, many of whom are first-generation college prospects, an experience that often fills them with doubts about their academic future.
Cayetano’s visit to the South Bronx is just one of the ways MSTP is addressing the academic aspirations of underrepresented high school students. The selection process for these students includes both academic achievement and physical fitness, ensuring that those who visit are high performers. “They are required to be at the top of their class,” he stated, underscoring the potential within these young minds.
Fostering Research Exposure: The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
In addition to school visits, Cayetano introduced the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program back in 2014. This innovative 10-week summer initiative was designed to create clear pathways for undergraduate students who might not have considered medical research as a career. Through mentorship from faculty and graduate students, participants gain invaluable exposure to scientific inquiry and professional development.
The SURF program has significantly grown, now accommodating around 30 students each year in collaboration with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Participants engage actively in research projects while attending panels that introduce them to the realities of pursuing Ph.D. training. This exposure is essential in cultivating interest and familiarity with the intricacies of a career in biomedical research.
Making an Impact
Feedback from the visiting South Bronx students reflects the transformative potential of these initiatives. Postscripts from their visit express newfound enthusiasm: “Although college isn’t my first option after high school, the tours opened my eyes to new opportunities.” With such sentiments, it’s evident that the MSTP outreach is resonating deeply and helping these students envision a future in science.
Cayetano himself understands the importance of mentorship. As a first-generation college student who navigated his way through higher education, he reflects on the significant role his high school coach, Lou Schlanger, played in shaping his trajectory. “Lou was a father figure,” he recalled, illustrating just how impactful supportive relationships can be for students facing various challenges, whether personal or academic.
The Vision for Tomorrow’s Medical Researchers
Cayetano believes that effective outreach is paramount for ensuring that future clinicians and researchers accurately represent the population they serve. “Research is limited if it only targets a segment of the population,” he described. By expanding the diversity of those engaged in scientific research, the goal is to ensure that medical treatment and advances are informed by a comprehensive understanding of all communities.
This initiative exemplifies how targeted outreach and mentorship can create opportunities for students who may otherwise see limited pathways into the sciences. Through programs like MSTP and SURF, the University of Miami Miller School is not just training the scientists of tomorrow but is also actively redefining what the future of medical research looks like. The aim is clear: to cultivate a research community that is inclusive, diverse, and reflective of the rich tapestry of society.