My Harvard Internship Experience
By Ivan Seah (Phase II Medical student)
Renowned theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawking, once said, “Science is not only a disciple of reason but, also, one of romance and passion.” My love for the medical sciences began with an article titled “Your Inner Healers” in the Scientific American magazine back in 2010. The article explored the concept of using induced pluripotent stem cells for the treatment of diseases. It was love at first sight as I found myself becoming increasingly curious about stem cells and their potential applications.
When the opportunity to be part of a stem cell research program in Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) during the summer holidays appeared, I applied for it without any hesitation. The HSCI Summer Internship Program (HIP) welcomed undergraduate students across the globe to partake in a 10-week research project. In HIP, students were paired up with faculty members in order to develop and carry out independent projects to answer relevant research questions in the stem cell field. Students were then expected to produce a scientific poster and oral presentation at the end of the program to share the project’s findings.
With my interest in brain tumours, I found myself attached to a Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) laboratory which explored the effects of oncolytic viruses on brain tumours. My project focused on using mesenchymal stem cells to deliver herpes simplex viruses into metastatic melanoma of the brain, a relatively common disease with poor prognosis.
Working in MGH did not disappoint. It was a melting pot of enthusiastic students, scientists and doctors, all united by a common goal of improving medicine through research. Due to the vast variety of people, scientific discussions were filled with creative and clever ideas. In particular, having the opportunity to bounce ideas off people who you only have the chance to read about back in Singapore felt utterly amazing. Professors Cliff Tabin, Steven Hyman and Connie Cepko were just part of the impressive repertoire of academics that HSCI housed.
Another of my favourite HIP experiences was meeting new people. Every person in the laboratory had a different story. In my laboratory, there were people from more than 7 different countries working together. As such, cultural exchanges during lunchtime were mind-blowing. At one side of the table, there could be conversations about Korean cuisine. On the other, another conversation about the competitive job market in populous China. The lunches like these not only filled my tummy but satisfied my intellectual appetite too.
To sum it up, spending my holiday working in the field of science was an experience of a lifetime. The prospect of contributing to a game-changing field in medicine, the chance to discuss ideas with medical pioneers and more importantly, the ticket to re-inspire my love for medicine were invaluable. These are the experiences that will one day shape me into the best doctor that I can ever be. I would certainly encourage my fellow medical students to pursue such an experience. Exploration is key in medical education. So, step forth and pursue your interests.
Ivan (third from right) with the other interns from the Khalid Shah Lab, Massachusetts General Hospital.