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

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
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University of Rochester School of Medicine and 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. Investing in Yourself and Your Story

    2D AGO

    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
  2. Why I Write: Reflections from a Pediatric Oncologist

    AUG 20

    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
  3. Finding a Path in Data and Discovery with Qiuyi Wu

    JUL 22

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

    JUN 17

    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
  5. Burnout, Boundaries, and Being Human in Science and Medicine

    MAY 19

    Burnout, Boundaries, and Being Human in Science and Medicine

    In this special episode for Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore the emotional toll of high-pressure careers in science and medicine, and why acknowledging our limits is essential to thriving.Amber Rivera, Director of Learner Life and Wellness here at SMD, shares how she supports graduate students and postdocs through moments of stress, uncertainty, and overwhelm. Karen Leitner, MD alum and now a leadership and wellness coach for women physicians, reflects on her personal experience with burnout and how she redefined success after stepping away from clinical practice.Together, they discuss a culture of perfectionism, the importance of self-compassion, and the mindset shifts that can help us show up fully for our careers and for ourselves.00:00 Journey from Medicine to Coaching05:26 Understanding Burnout in Healthcare08:32 Cultural Pressures and Resilience11:20 The Importance of Self-Compassion14:33 Post-COVID Mental Health Challenges17:31 Women in Medicine: Unique Challenges20:09 Redefining Success in Medicine23:31 The Role of Mental Health Awareness26:12 Creating a Supportive Environment29:29 Embracing Change and New PathsResources:Certification classes coming soon to SMD Trainees, Faculty, and Staff—Mental Health First Aid: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/ou...Support for SMD Trainees experiencing stress or symptoms of burnout: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/educat...Self-Compassion Exercises to Try: https://www.rochester.edu/mindful/sel...Karen's website: https://www.karenleitnermd.com/

    37 min
  6. Planning Your Career While Navigating Grad School

    MAY 1

    Planning Your Career While Navigating Grad School

    Jessie Hogestyn is 2020 graduate of our Neuroscience Graduate Program, now a senior scientist at Sanofi. She shares how she balanced the demands of neuroscience research with career exploration during grad school, as well as how staying open and adaptable led her to a spot at Sanofi where she's spent the first five years of her career.From networking and internships to navigating the transition from academia to biotech, Jessie offers practical advice for anyone thinking about their next step.00:00 The Journey Begins: A Rochesterian's Academic Path03:00 Graduate School Experience: Finding the Right Fit05:58 Research and Development: Thesis Work Insights08:58 Career Transition: From Graduate School to Industry12:05 Navigating Challenges: The Impact of COVID-1914:57 Building a Network: The Importance of Communication18:02 Extracurriculars and Mental Health: Dance as an Escape21:00 Leadership and Growth: Lessons from the Lab24:00 Advice for Future Scientists: Embrace Flexibility27:03 Final Thoughts: Enjoying the Journey

    31 min
  7. Healthy Habits, Strong Minds: Nutrition and Fitness for Grad Students

    MAR 28

    Healthy Habits, Strong Minds: Nutrition and Fitness for Grad Students

    Grad school is a marathon, so how do you stay energized and perform at your best?In this episode of The Next Step Podcast, we dive into strategies for staying healthy in academia—from quick, nutritious meals to realistic ways to stay active with a packed schedule.What you’ll learn:🔵 How diet and exercise impact focus and resilience🔵 Easy meal hacks for busy lab schedules🔵 Ways to prevent burnout and maintain balanceSpeakers:Darren Lipomi, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of RochesterAmber Rivera, MSW, Director of Learner Life and Wellness, University of Rochester School of Medicine and DentistryHolly Gilligan, MA RD CDN, Registered Dietician Nutritionist, URMC Fitness Science Links mentioned during the show: Mayo Clinic Calorie Calculatorhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-li...Balanced Microwavable Mealshttps://rochester.box.com/s/xktjhqd8s...Meal Planning Gridhttps://rochester.box.com/s/m0qgofvv1...

    50 min
  8. Tom O'Connor Talks Scientific Writing, Decompression, and Career Transitions

    FEB 26

    Tom O'Connor Talks Scientific Writing, Decompression, and Career Transitions

    We're thrilled to have Tom O'Connor, PhD, SMD Genetics/Pharmacology and Physiology alum, join us for the latest episode of The Next Step podcast.Tom shares insights on transitioning from graduate school to being a scientist at  @rpcicreative . He also discusses his shift from muscle biology to cancer research, and how a passion for scientific writing shaped his career.Get insights on public speaking, networking, and the importance of taking time to reflect before diving into your next career phase.Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-o-connor-phd-2675a7a8/Roswell postdoc openings: https://www.roswellpark.org/careers/post-docRoswell research openings: https://roswellpark.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ExternalCareers/jobs?jobFamilyGroup=1c580bbf58c401a3140852183f0fc54dThis podcast is brought to you by myHub. If you're interested in writing services, mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, check out myHub, your resource for all things professional development: https://myhub.urmc.edu/.#phdlife #gradstudentlife #sciencecareers #phd

    45 min
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University of Rochester School of Medicine and 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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