The Next Step: Career and Grad School Advice from Our Alumni

University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
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University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry graduate school alumni share stories from the job hunt, lessons learned along the way, and top tips for trainees about to hit the job market.

  1. Designing a Career That Fits: Clinical Care, Research & Teaching

    FEB 23

    Designing a Career That Fits: Clinical Care, Research & Teaching

    In this episode of The Next Step Podcast, we sit down with Bo Hoon Lee, MD, child neurologist and associate director for the Child Neurology Residency program at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, to talk about what it really means to design a career that fits.Bo shares how she built a role that blends clinical care, clinical trials research, and teaching without forcing herself into a traditional 80/20 academic model. She reflects on the mentors who shaped her path, the importance of learning when to say no, and how writing down where her time was actually going helped her realign her work with her values.We also discuss how to intentionally insert yourself into opportunities, how to build strong mentor–mentee relationships, and why defining your own version of success is critical in academic medicine.If you have broad interests, are questioning how to narrow your focus, or are trying to imagine what a sustainable, fulfilling career in medicine can look like. Bo's story is a reminder that you don’t have to choose just one lane. You can shape medicine to fit you. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bo's Journey02:24 The Influence of Mentorship in Medicine05:08 Choosing Rochester: A Personal Journey07:41 Balancing Clinical Care, Research, and Teaching10:30 The Importance of Time Management and Prioritization12:59 Navigating Career Paths in Medicine15:33 The Role of Clinical Trials in Pediatric Neurology18:07 Building Strong Mentor-Mentee Relationships20:41 Teaching and Mentoring the Next Generation23:05 Defining Success in a Medical Career25:25 Advice for Aspiring Medical Professionals More about Dr. Lee: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/112360810-bo-hoon-leeChild Neurology Residency Program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate-medical-education/prospective-residents/child-neurology

    34 min
  2. When Your Career Path Doesn’t Go as Planned | A Nonlinear Journey in Science

    JAN 20

    When Your Career Path Doesn’t Go as Planned | A Nonlinear Journey in Science

    In this episode of The Next Step, we sit down with Makaia Papasergi-Scott, PhD, assistant professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics, as well as Pharmacology and Physiology, to talk about what happens when a carefully imagined career path doesn’t unfold the way you expect.Makaia shares her journey through graduate school, postdoctoral training, and into a research career shaped by obstacles, difficult decisions, and moments of uncertainty. Along the way, she reflects on the personal and professional challenges she faced, the mentors and community members who helped guide her, and how she learned to stay open to new directions—including teaching, emerging research technologies, and leadership opportunities.This conversation is especially relevant for prospective and current trainees who may be questioning their next steps, rethinking long-term goals, or wondering whether it’s okay to change course. Makaia’s story is a reminder that career paths in science and academic medicine are often nonlinear—and that growth can come from the unexpected turns.Topics covered include:00:00 Introduction and Makaia’s Career Background02:23 Early Inspirations and Initial Career Goals07:44 Navigating Challenges in Graduate School11:44 Major Decisions and Personal Struggles17:44 Finding Support Through Community and Mentorship20:00 Exploring Teaching as a Career Path23:24 Postdoctoral Training and Research Focus26:09 Looking Back on Unexpected Career Turns29:50 Rediscovering Passion in Scientific Research33:10 How Cryo-EM Is Changing Modern Science40:08 What It Takes to Build a Cryo-EM Center43:10 The Growing Pains of Running a Research Lab46:00 Advice for Trainees Facing Career TransitionsMore about Makaia: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/112365117-makaia-papasergiPapasergi-Scott Lab: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/papasergi-scott

    50 min
  3. The Power of 55 Words: Creative Writing, Reflection, and the Future of Rural Care

    12/11/2025

    The Power of 55 Words: Creative Writing, Reflection, and the Future of Rural Care

    Colleen Fogarty, MD, MSc, chair of Family Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center, joins us for a conversation that blends creativity, reflection, and the realities of rural healthcare.Colleen talks about how 55-word stories can help trainees and clinicians pause, reflect, and make sense of the moments that define their work. These short narratives become powerful tools for learning, writing, and self-understanding.We also discuss her recent research on rural physician shortages, including why the decline is accelerating, what her team uncovered in the national data, and how new rural training pathways at URMC aim to strengthen the primary care workforce.The episode ends with Colleen reading one of her published 55-word stories—Blue Velvet—a powerful example of how concise writing can illuminate the human side of medicine.Colleen completed residency here at URMC in 1996.Links mentioned in this episode:A piece of my mind. The stories: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.283.15.1934Fifty-five Word Stories: “Small Jewels” for Personal Reflection and Teaching: https://howlround.com/sites/default/files/55%20word%20stories%20reference%20by%20Fogarty%20CT.pdfFamily Physician Workforce Trends: The Toll on Rural Communities, Colleen T. Fogarty, Hoon Byun and Alison N. Huffstetler: https://www.annfammed.org/content/23/6/535Physician Shortage in Rural Areas of the U.S. Worsened Since 2017: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/physician-shortage-in-rural-areas-of-the-u-s-worsened-since-2017More about Colleen: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/112358775-colleen-t-fogartyColleen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-fogarty-057570111/

    42 min
  4. A Journey in Science Communication with Aimee Pugh Bernard, PhD

    11/04/2025

    A Journey in Science Communication with Aimee Pugh Bernard, PhD

    In this conversation, immunologist and science communicator Aimee Pugh Bernard '01M (PhD) reflects on her path from academic research to public engagement.She discusses the evolving role of scientists as communicators, the barriers that keep research from reaching the public, and the power of collaboration and digital platforms to close that gap.Dr. Bernard shares practical guidance for trainees on developing communication skills and embedding outreach within their scientific careers.Links Aimee mentioned:Science Bites: https://sciencebites.org/Science Homecoming: https://sciencehomecoming.com/Unbiased Science: https://www.unbiasedscience.com/

    48 min
  5. Investing in Yourself and Your Story

    09/30/2025

    Investing in Yourself and Your Story

    In the latest episode of The Next Step, Alejandro Vera '23M (MS) shares his journey from the Bay Area to Rochester, where he discovered his passion for health humanities and bioethics.We talk about why this field is so important for connecting science, medicine, and the human experience, and how the program shaped his graduate education path.Alejandro also shares how taking a year after graduation to pause and write his story gave him clarity heading into his PhD at The University of Texas Medical Branch, and why meeting people and building connections has been one of the most valuable lessons along the way.Health Humanities and Bioethics master's program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/masters-degrees/health-humanities-and-bioethics

    32 min
  6. Why I Write: Reflections from a Pediatric Oncologist

    08/20/2025

    Why I Write: Reflections from a Pediatric Oncologist

    Dr. David Korones has spent decades caring for children with brain tumors as a pediatric oncologist and palliative care physician at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Along the way, he’s also built a remarkable body of writing, sharing the deeply human side of medicine with the public.In this episode, Dr. Korones reflects on what compels him to write, the vulnerability that comes with putting your work into the world, and why it’s important for physicians and researchers to share their perspectives.We also talk about how becoming a parent changed the way he approaches pediatric care, what it’s like to navigate emotional conversations with families, and his thoughts on speaking up, even when it’s challenging.Whether you’re a graduate trainee, medical student, or simply someone interested in the intersection of medicine and storytelling, this conversation will leave you inspired to find your voice.

    31 min
  7. Finding a Path in Data and Discovery with Qiuyi Wu

    07/22/2025

    Finding a Path in Data and Discovery with Qiuyi Wu

    In this episode, we explore the journey of Qiuyi Wu '24M (PhD), a postdoctoral research fellow in Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at Duke University.We discuss her educational path from Suzhou, China to Rochester and beyond, her research experience here at UofR under the direction of Xing Qiu, as well as the importance of internships in shaping her career.She reflects on the challenges she faced as an international student, the significance of science communication, and the value of building a personal brand. More on our Statistics PhD program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/phd/statistics

    38 min
  8. You’re More Ready Than You Think: Maddie’s Journey to a Postdoc

    06/17/2025

    You’re More Ready Than You Think: Maddie’s Journey to a Postdoc

    Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD candidate Madeline Jensen joins us on The Next Step to share her path from graduate school to a new postdoc position at UT Southwestern.In this episode, Maddie reflects on the origins of her love of science, the increasing importance of RNA research, and what the postdoctoral search process really entails. She discusses the critical role of mentorship, why PhD trainees should feel confident heading into interviews, and offers top advice for those considering their own next step.Wagner lab: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/wagner Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/phd/biochemistry

    36 min
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University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry graduate school alumni share stories from the job hunt, lessons learned along the way, and top tips for trainees about to hit the job market.

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