Creating Lasting Impact: BSMF’s Clinician-Scientist Summer Studentship Program
Prior to starting his Doctor of Medicine Program at the University of Alberta, Bow Valley local George Reed spent four consecutive summers working with BSMF as a Research Assistant and as a student in the Clinician-Scientist Summer Studentship Program.
George contributed to multiple projects evaluating outcomes after ACL reconstruction. He gained experience collecting data from patients, managing a large ACLR database with over 3000 patients, analyzing results, preparing manuscripts for publication, preparing study protocols and ethics board submissions, and writing patient education articles.
In 2023 George was awarded a Summer Surgical Research Studentship Award by the Alberta Health Services Surgery Strategic Clinical Network and also received the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) 150th Anniversary Award through the University of Alberta in 2022. The CMA award recognizes a student in the Faculty of Medicine based on academic standing and demonstrated leadership.
George cites his experience at BSMF as instrumental to his growth and development. Here is what he had to say ….
“BSMF’s emphasis on mentorship and commitment to patient-centred care made my experience an invaluable piece of my journey as a learner and member of the healthcare community. Whether partnering on research projects or teaching me in the clinic and operating room, the tight-knit collaborative team fostered an environment that allowed me to learn, make mistakes, and ultimately develop as an individual.
As part of my time with BSMF, the opportunity to integrate shadowing with my research pursuits highlighted the importance of allowing both research and clinical experience to guide evidence-based medical practice. Direct observation of patient-physician interactions re-iterated several characteristics that have drawn me to pursue healthcare: The ability of physicians to be both encouraging yet truthful, their ability to communicate scientific information accessibly, and most importantly, their commitment to their patients. As a member of the BSMF team, the opportunity to experience healthcare from both academic and clinical perspectives has provided unique insight into how practitioners impact the lives of their patients and a newfound appreciation for the value of medical professionals.
I’m excited to have started medical school at the University of Alberta in August of this year! Pursuing an MD has long been a dream of mine, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue my education in the coming years. I would like to extend a special note of gratitude to Sarah Kerslake. Having had the opportunity to work closely with Sarah for the better part of the past 4 summers, I can honestly say she has made a lasting impact on my approach to analytical thinking and research. Her continued mentorship, knowledge, and hardworking attitude have truly impacted my summers with the BSMF team in an immensely positive manner. I would like to thank the entire team for their profound role in my journey, and I hope to continue collaborating with the team in the future!”
