In 2009, third-year Univeristy of Minnesota medical student Brad Stish became the first “Wyckoff Sarcoma Scholar.” Before entering medical school, Brad earned his Master’s degree in immunology and worked in a lab, focusing on the development of new cancer treatments. A desire to apply this research and spend time actually seeing the patients who would be helped by the treatments led Brad back to school. In addition to providing a small scholarship, RIS connected Brad with the University of Minnesota’s sarcoma team. He has appreciated the opportunity to learn from talented doctors in many different specialties, about this intriguing and challenging disease. Brad also has appreciated the chance to meet the patients whose stories are behind the clinical work, through attendance at events like last summer’s Party in the Park. He has been so moved that he intends to continue his affiliation, even after his successor is chosen.
In connection with this new program, Brad coordinated a lunch lecture for second-year medical students, where Dr. Christian Ogilvie offered them guidance about how sarcomas may present in clinical practice. This is an important addition to the main curriculum, where students learn about sarcomas mostly in the pathology lab. We hope the improved awareness will help doctors diagnose their patients who present with signs of sarcoma.
Brad and Dr. Katie Dusenbery will work together to select next year’s scholar. We are so happy with this program, which allows both the University and RIS to inform and connect with promising new clinical scientists.
