Seth Levin: Many Firsts BACK

Published by AFAR

I am almost two full weeks into my summer MSTAR at UMass Medical School. I have made great headway on the project, which focuses on the cognitive status and behavior of heart failure patients following acute symptom onset. I am very excited to explore my interests in geriatrics in the domain of epidemiological research. Having recently completed the cardiovascular course block at the end of my first year, I am also eager to apply my clinical and basic science background in heart failure to a study that will enhance the understanding and treatment of this condition.

This summer marks several “firsts” for me. Not only have I completed my first year of medical school, but I am now working on my first clinical research project. Having conducted basic science research in college, I was initially nervous about the transition to the clinical and population sciences. Despite my trepidation, I have found the experience incredibly rich and the atmosphere very welcoming. My research mentors, Dr. Gurwitz and Dr Saczynski have provided me with excellent input and have helped me transition into the research environment.

Working in the geriatrics division of the medical school has been extremely rewarding. Earlier this week and today, I had the opportunity to attend several departmental meetings in which geriatricians from the medical school presented their individual research projects, ranging from investigations of patients with acute coronary syndrome to studies of hospice care. The meetings provided a glimpse into the research atmosphere, where each member brings his/her own expertise to the conference and is eager to provide input. I was also fortunate to learn about the educational development of geriatrics in the medical school curriculum, including the integration of aging topics into my second year coursework. My research mentors have encouraged me to participate in similar meetings over the summer, including a venue to present my research and receive constructive feedback.

I feel privileged to be a part of a community of clinicians and researchers, whose common goal is to enhance healthcare in the aging population. This evening, I will be attending a dinner celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Meyers Primary Care Institute, a collaborative organization among UMASS Medical School, Fallon Clinic and Fallon Health Care, that promotes primary care through education and research projects. I am greatly looking forward to the occasion, where I will meet physicians and fellow researchers with similar passion for geriatrics. In the mean time, my chief concern is what to wear to the event.

Seth Levin
University of Massachusetts Medical School

"Diary of an MSTAR Student" follows scholars in the 2011 Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program, highlighting their summer experiences. As they continue their path of research, training and clinical practice, read their daily thoughts at www.afar.org/mstarblog. New diary entries are posted every day, so check back soon.