Student Perspective: Two PVS students participate in the St. Jude Science Scholars of Tomorrow Progr

The St. Jude Science Scholars of Tomorrow Program is a one-day symposium that gives you an exclusive look at science in progress while interacting with researchers and clinicians who apply principles of the scientific method to their innovative work at St. Jude every day. This event is for students selected through a competitive application process along with a recommendation letter from a STEM teacher.

And two students, Deenat Yusuf and Naisha Chowdhury, participated in this year’s program. The symposium was held on Wednesday, Mar. 4. Yusuf shares her experience:

The day began bright and early at 7:30 a.m. with registration and a group photo at the St. Jude campus. Students were split into two groups, team green and team blue, in order to accommodate everyone.

The opening session had speakers who gave insight on their medical career at St. Jude. Then we went on a hospital tour, which was my favorite part of the day.

Right after, we had speed careering which consists of rotating around 10 to 12 different tables. Each table had a professional and trainee whom we could ask questions about their career.

Last but not least, we had a case study of a patient with Leukemia. To try to cure the patient’s cancer, we had three lab stops and were able to find which treatment was best for the patient. In the lab, scientists presented each treatment to us: CBT Screening, CAR T-Cell Therapy and Radiation Oncology. We presented our findings to everyone. We ended the day with the closing session by 3:45 p.m.

This event provides great insight into careers in science and medicine. Although the medical path comes with many years of schooling, it is surely worth the hard work and struggle. There is no better feeling than helping a patient.

I would definitely recommend this program for students who know they want to pursue the medical or research field. Even if you may not know what career you would like to pursue, this program may be the reason you found an interest in medicine.

It was really a wonderful event. It was very inspirational and most importantly, it was an eye-opening event for us to be more grateful for our well-being.