SEMSS 2025 Schedule of Events

9/27/25

Saturday

  • Registration Opens (~10:30AM)

  • Opening Remarks

  • Opening Keynote Address: Speaker TBD

  • Poster Session 1

  • Poster Session 2

  • Breakout Sessions 1 (concurrent)

  1. Beyond the Algorithm: How AI Is Rethinking Research

  2. To the Bench, the Bedside, or Both: Choosing Between MD, PhD, and MD/PhD Training Pathways

  3. Choose Your Own Adventure: Career Paths for Physician-Scientists

  • Networking Hour

  • Dinner & Reception

9/28/25

Sunday

  • Breakfast

  • Oral Presentations

  • Breakout Sessions 2 (concurrent)

  1. Cracking the Code: Succeeding in MD & MSTP Admissions

  2. From Pipettes to Patients: What PSTPs & Research Residencies Offer

  3. @FuturePhysicianScientist: Curating Your Brand as an Applicant, Trainee, and Faculty

  • Closing Keynote Address: Speaker TBD

  • Award Ceremony & Closing Remarks (end at ~1pm)

Breakout Sessions Details

Saturday Sessions

To the Bench, the Bedside, or Both:

Choosing Between MD, PhD, and MD/PhD Training Pathways

The choice between medical school, graduate school, or both can be difficult and daunting. Come listen to MD, PhD, and MD/PhD trainees discuss how they came to their decision and what their education looks like. The panel will welcome questions and would love to help you make a decision on what pathway is best for you.

Choose Your Own Adventure:

Career Paths for Physician-Scientists

Explore the diverse career possibilities of MD/PhD training in this breakout session featuring physician-scientists working in various fields. Panelists will share insights into their unique paths, the challenges they've faced, and how they’ve leveraged their dual-degree backgrounds in varied settings. This session offers practical advice and inspiration for those considering careers beyond traditional academia. Come with questions and curiosity for a dynamic, candid discussion.

Beyond the Algorithm:

How AI Is Rethinking Research

Did you know AI has helped discover new antibiotics? Come learn how AI is changing the research field and discuss safe and ethical practices for using AI in research. A panel of experts will be ready to answer your questions as well as a couple of AI generated questions.

Sunday Sessions

Cracking the Code:

Succeeding in MD & MSTP Admissions

Are you interested in applying to MD or MD-PhD programs? Come interact with admissions committee members and program directors to learn how you can put your best foot forward during the application process. This is a great opportunity to ask any and all questions you may have about applications, interviews, and matriculation.

From Pipettes to Patients:

What PSTPs & Research Residencies Offer

Are you interested in doing research while in residency? We will have a panel of ABIM/PSTP directors, research-focused residency directors, and research-tracks residents from UAB, Vanderbilt, and Emory who will give the insider scoop into the different research-geared training pathways. Come learn about all aspects of residency through an open Q&A format with a variety of specialties represented!

@FuturePhysicianScientist:

Curating Your Brand as an Applicant, Trainee, and Faculty

In today’s competitive academic and clinical landscape, building a strong personal brand is essential for career success. This breakout session will teach you how to curate your image on social media, optimize your CV/resume, and prepare for interviews at any phase of your training. Join us to learn how to brand yourself for success—whether you're pursuing medicine, science, or both.