A Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine scholar was one of only 30 medical students from across North America selected to participate in the 2015 American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Tutored Research and Education for Kidney Scholars (TREKS) program, an initiative of the society’s Workforce Committee.
Rebecca Ye, a second-year medical student, attended the “Origins of Renal Physiology” course for medical students, held June 8–14 at the renowned Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine.
The TREKS program fosters interest in nephrology and research through a weeklong intensive retreat focused on kidney physiology, followed by a yearlong mentoring program. The course gives students the opportunity to further their understanding of basic physiological concepts through hands-on experiments at a world-class research facility.
Students who have completed at least one year of medical school are eligible to apply for the scholarship program, which is taught by leading physician-scientists. Tuition and room and board are provided by ASN. TREKS scholars receive free ASN membership, which includes full access to ASN online resources and opportunities for Student Scholar Grants. During their third or fourth year of medical school, TREKS participants are invited to attend ASN’s annual meeting—ASN Kidney Week—as part of the ASN Kidney STARS (Students and Residents) program.
TREKS participants are assigned a mentor at their local institution to meet with during medical school or graduate school who can provide guidance on research and career development. Sharmeela Saha, assistant professor of medicine, will continue to serve as Ye‘s mentor to build and maintain a connection with the nephrology field throughout her medical school training.
Applications for the 2016 Kidney TREKS program will open December 2015. For more information, visit asn-online.org/education/training/students/treks/ or contact kleight@asn-online.org.