Don't try to do multiple things at the same time. Focus on the internship experience and give 120%.
Name: Sarang Han (Cohort 4)
Major: Bioengineering
Give a brief description of the experience.
I participated in the UM Scholars Program at University of Maryland, School of Medicine for the past summer. I worked under Dr. Raphael Meier, a transplant surgeon, to develop a mesenchymal stem cell therapy for liver fibrosis.
What was the most impactful part of the experience?
I was able to see the current problem in the clinical field, on site. I was also able to attend the American Transplant Congress, which is the biggest transplant conference in the United States. I was impressed how everyone was there to learn and be updated with the most up-to-date information, and they were all struggling to advance our current knowledge in this field.
What surprised you?
I always heard about it, but I was really shocked again regarding the waiting list for organ transplant. There are so many more people suffering from conditions where the only solution is an organ transplant, such as late liver fibrosis.
Did you make any personal and/or professional connections with peers?
I was able to make a strong bond with some of the other participants in the program. We hung out several times, and still keep in touch.
What were your major takeaways? What did you learn?
I became really determined to solve this organ shortage issue with Bioengineering solutions. Even though we are really early, I want to use a 4D bioprinting, regenerative approach to print organs that can be an alternative organ supply in the future.
How have your career or academic goals changed or evolved as a result of this experience?
I was debating between the MD path or PhD path, but I decided to pursue a MD/PhD degree. I realized in order for me to ask the right question, it is essential for me to be on the frontier of current medical practice to adapt faster to the issues. Also, I realized having time to be trained as an independent researcher is really important to me. I want to learn more about transplant immunology and ways to fabricate artificial organs during my PhD years.
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