This year, our Department was proud to participate in Duke's underrepresented in medicine summer research program. Our medical student, Abdul-Rahman Saleh, MLS (ASCP), gained clinical exposure and participated in planned curriculum, discussion sessions and collaborations with other medical students. Thank you, Abdul, for your contributions to Duke Radiation Oncology, and thank you to everyone who worked with Abdul during this time.
Primarily, what did you work on during these weeks?
I had the great privilege of working on a collaborative project between the Lee Lab and the Roper Lab in the Radiation Oncology and Medicine Departments, respectively. Our goal was to identify the role of the autophagy-related genes in the pathogenesis of radiation proctitis in mice. We utilized immunohistochemical staining, qPCR and western blotting for the assessment of autophagy in mice models with induced radiation proctitis.
What has been your most memorable or interesting experience/moment at Duke?
There were numerous memorable moments that I was very fortunate to experience throughout my time here at Duke. Some of the most memorable moments include learning from the marvelous Dr. Larrier and the fantastic radiation oncology residents in the clinic, contouring a patient’s spleen and femoral osteosarcoma for radiotherapy and harvesting organs from mice.
How has this opportunity informed your interest in radiation oncology?
After receiving thorough exposure to the field of radiation oncology through attending morning conferences, shadowing in the clinic and meeting various research members of the Duke Radiation Oncology Department, my interest in radiation oncology increased even more. I refined my knowledge of targeted radiotherapeutic treatments used in the field of radiation oncology. Furthermore, I was compelled by the level of collegiality with other specialists in an attempt to maximize quality of patient care. I will enter my second year of medical school with a more complete picture of this field.
I want to send my sincerest gratitude to the Department of Radiation Oncology and Office of Physician Scientist Development for sponsoring this remarkable research opportunity. To Dr. Willett, Dr. Lee, Dr. Larrier, Dr. Kirsch, Lee Lab members, radiation oncology residents and all the wonderful people in the Radiation Oncology Department, thank you for making this experience truly memorable.
(Pictured L-R: Nicole Larrier, MD, MS; Abdul; and resident Abhishek Kumar, MD)