Western Resident Medical Research Forum (WRMRF)

8th Annual Meeting of the WRMRF

Conference dates:  January 30 - February 2, 2008

Message from the 2008 WRMRF Chair

Brian Jonas , M.D., Ph.D.

Stanford University Medical Center, Department of Medicine

Welcome to the 8th annual Western Resident Medical Research Forum in the lovely coastal cities of Carmel and Monterey, California.  This marks my sixth year attending this wonderful conference and each year I have attended has been a great experience.  I have presented talks about my dissertation research in the past and most recently became involved in the conference leadership as the Student’s Forum Vice-Chair and Chair the past two years.  It is now my distinct honor to be chairing the Residents’ Forum this year after making the transition from medical student to intern this past June.  I am pleased to say that we have Dr. Sergio Huerta, founder of the Residents’ Forum and long-time conference attendee, as our Residents’ luncheon keynote speaker.  Dr. Huerta, a physician-scientist and educator at the University of Texas Southwestern, will give a talk that will no doubt inspire and enlighten and is titled, “Science, Academics, Medicine, A Life: What Does It All Mean?”

This year’s conference should continue the tradition of excellence that has come to represent the WRMRF.  Besides the wide variety of activities available with the other societies, the WRMRF will be holding its Residents’ Forum on Saturday, February 2 where residents will compete for a $500 prize given to the best talk.  Afterward, we will meet for the Residents’ Luncheon and Panel where Dr. Huerta will give his talk followed a panel discussion where residents and students will be free to ask questions anything ranging from residency applications to life in academic medicine.  I encourage everyone to attend these events and of course to take some time to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.

I look forward to seeing everyone in Monterey and Carmel!

WRMRF Objectives

1. Academic enrichment

• Choice of talks of interest from a large and diverse group of subspecialties
• Direct interaction with top researchers from a wide variety of fields
• Exposure to the latest in medical research

2. Professional Development

• Meet residents, students and attendings from other institutions
• Develop contacts and potential job opportunities

3. Career Enhancement

• Accepted abstracts are published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine
• Presentations are a valuable experience and are a healthy addition to one’s CV

4. Relaxation

• The Monterey and Carmel area is a picturesque place to escape and enjoy some well-deserved R&R

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Greetings to all of our Residents,  

First, congratulations on your invitation to present at the Western Region Meeting.  By now you will have received notification of your acceptance.  We hope you will enjoy the experience and know how great it will be for you to get away.    For those of you who have been scheduled to present at a scientific venue on Friday, Feb . 1st  in Carmel, we encourage your participation at the Residents’ Forum on Saturday morning, February 2, at the Monterey Beach Hotel for a second presentation.  We are able to accept only the first seven of you who reply to this request by clicking on the graphic below to make a second presentation at the Resident's Form on Saturday.  INCENTIVE:  $500 prize to best case presentation in the Residents’ Forum .    We would also appreciate your participation on the Residents’ Panel for medical students during the Residents’ Luncheon following the Saturday morning Residents’ Forum session.  Please click below if you wish to serve on the panel.    The favor your reply with a yes or no to both items mentioned above is requested by December 30, 2007.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.  We look forward to meeting all of you at the end of January.  

Our best to you for the holidays,

Fran Kissel and Mary Lambeth (UCLA and UW, respectively)

WRMRF Co-Directors

Western Resident Research Forum (WRMRF) Representatives

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