With the HSRF coming to a close, I learned many new things about my own research as well as the studies of other health science scholars at Pitt. During the school year, I was unable to commit fully to research due to time constraints with classes and other commitments, but over the summer I was able to provide more time for research and really feel what it was like to study OCD full-time. Firstly, I came to fully understand the scope of what behavioral research entailed through reading copious amounts of literature and practicing my presentation of my research to others (which was perhaps the most important lesson learned along the way). Being able to effectively communicate health science topics is not only beneficial for researchers, but for physicians and any professional in any field, and to improve on that skillset will surely prove invaluable in the future. Another important skill I learned was the ability to analyze the data of various mouse trials. To manipulate and compare data across multiple trials allowed me to feel more involved with the research I aided with.

The most valuable part of the HSRF experiences was the plethora of information regarding career choices and different kinds of research. It was freeing to know that research and clinical work were not mutually exclusive, and that there were many ways to be involved in both without having to sacrifice your passions or career goals. Especially Dr. McDowell’s talk about working with researchers and creating drill bits while being a full-time neurosurgeon gave me new insight on the range of work that physicians perform and just how inclusive the health sciences really are.

With all that being said, what do I hope to do next? Contrary to what others may have felt, I realized that research may not be where I want to commit a vast majority of my time. Instead, I learned that I enjoy clinical work and patient interaction much more than research, but certain aspects of the lab (like perfusions, surgeries, and data analysis) still held a lot of interest to me. Thus, my next steps academically will be to focus on studies and the MCAT and hopefully to eventually become a physician who works alongside researchers and/or engineers to create a better work environment for others. Otherwise, I will still pursue research, and maybe look at other fields of research where I may find new passions or further my interests.