Scientist-Physicians Get Their Start at TouroCOM Montana

The MSTP is designed for students between their second and third years of Osteopathic Medical School (OMS). It offers a unique one-month intensive research experience during the summer, followed by comprehensive year-long immersion. The program supports future physician-scientists with a summer stipend for 2024, a monthly stipend during the immersion year, and full tuition coverage for their third and fourth years of medical school.

This summer, three TouroCOM Montana students participated in the MSTP, dedicating their time to cutting-edge research at the McLaughlin Research Institute (MRI). After their research period, each student developed a grant proposal outlining a subject they plan to study over the next year at MRI after completing their second year of medical school.

Ayeong (Jenny) Kim is a second-year student from Dublin, California, who studied neuroscience at Boston University, holds a bachelor's degree in neuroscience, and worked in clinical research as a clinical research assistant at Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Jenny submitted her research proposal on "Elucidating the Inflammatory Mechanisms behind Central Sensitization and Chronic Pain," which will be the focus of her research at MRI following her second year of medical school.

"Working at the McLaughlin Research Institute has been an eye-opening experience," said Kim. "Collaborating with diverse researchers and engaging in both bench and clinical research has broadened my understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying chronic pain. This program has highlighted the importance of integrating clinical insights with laboratory discoveries."

Another student researcher, Alexandria Reyes from Glendale, California, who earned a bachelor's degree in neuroscience from Scripps College and a Master of Biomedical Science from the California University of Science and Medicine, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaborative environment. "The early stages of research are truly fascinating. What has brought me the most joy is the team dynamic—Dr. Gunn's team, including the students from Touro and her research assistant, has made this transition into research so seamless. Everyone is incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and welcoming."

Reyes submitted her research proposal, titled "Assessing the Potential of Rescuing SOX10 Dysfunction in Mouse Oligodendrocytes," which will be the focus of her research at MRI. "It's exciting to know that the research will eventually be published. Having your name on a published paper as a medical student is a huge accomplishment."

Matthew DiGiovanni from West Hempstead, NY, who double-majored in Biology and Political Science and earned a Master of Science from SUNY Stony Brook University, shared his background and aspirations. DiGiovanni’s research proposal, titled "Investigating the Potential Role of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) in Treatment-Derived Inflammation, Focusing on Potential Changes in the Amount of or Contents of EVs from Non-Tumor Tissues and Implications in Cancer Progression," will be the focus of his year-long research at MRI. "My background is in research, though I took a three-year gap to work in higher education. I knew I wanted a research-focused career when I applied to medical school. The MSTP at Touro offered me the perfect opportunity to build my research experience and skills. I aim to match into a residency program emphasizing research, where I can continue developing as a clinical scientist."

"The MSTP at TouroCOM Montana deepens students' understanding of medical research and equips them with the skills necessary to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications," said Dr. Tiffany Hensley-McBain, Associate Course Director at TouroCOM Montana. “This program underscores TouroCOM Montana's commitment to fostering the next generation of physician-scientists and allows our students to do incredible and valuable bench research.”