Connecting research to real world problems is at the core of an Oregon State University Honors College education, and, through a partnership with the University of Michigan Medical School’s Clinical Outcomes Research and Reporting Programs (MCORRP), honors students have the opportunity to get firsthand experience in scholarly application during a transformative learning opportunity. Spearheaded by Dr. Kim Eagle, ’76, an OSU alum and the director of the Frankel Cardiovascular Center, MCORRP bridges academia and real-world medical practice. An annual summer research experience for undergraduates trains the next generation of medical scholars in this approach, and each year, Dr. Eagle reserves a coveted spot in the program for an HC student, a tradition reflecting his dedication to his alma mater.
For Varsha Karthikeyan, now a fourth-year Honors College pre-med student studying biology, the program provided a unique gateway to merge her passions for research and medicine. “After discovering the MCORRP internship through the Honors College newsletter, I was immediately drawn to the diverse opportunities it presented,” she shares.
The MCORRP internship offered Varsha a nuanced view of research in practice. “As an aspiring medical professional, I recognize the significance of comprehending the intricate connection between research and healthcare,” she says. This intersection facilitated her deeper understanding of how research translates into enhanced patient care.
Among the most notable aspects of her MCORRP experience was the freedom to design and pursue her own project. Using the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD), a rare but highly lethal heart condition, Varsha investigated demographic variations in treatment. Her findings represented a significant milestone, one she was able to share with working physicians. “This was a very rewarding experience as I was able to present my findings to physicians in the field and write an abstract that is currently in the works for publication.”
Reflecting on her experience, Varsha highlights the community within MCORRP. “Through weekly socials, the interns were able to get really close and engage in a lot of fun activities in Ann Arbor. This fostered an environment that was far from intimidating, encouraging the formation of friendships and creating an open space for asking lots of questions,” she shares.
The mentorship she received during her tenure at MCORRP left an indelible mark on Varsha’s journey. “The guidance provided by various student mentors and physicians, including Dr. Eagle, was truly invaluable,” she says. This mentorship provided profound insights into the medical profession, fueling Varsha’s motivation to continue along her career path.
Her advice for future MCORRP participants reflects her own journey. “My advice would be to approach the program with an open mind and a willingness to immerse oneself fully in the diverse opportunities it presents.” Weekly lectures, featuring an array of healthcare professionals, are an integral part of the MCORRP curriculum, and these broadened Varsha’s horizon beyond her academic pursuits. “Take advantage of the mentorship and guidance offered by experienced researchers and healthcare professionals, actively engage in the weekly lectures and work hard on your personal project because it is probably the easiest way to get a publication!”
Varsha has continued to add to her research experience since returning from the internship, and she is now completing her HC thesis, “Role of Exosomes in the Neuroendocrine Processing of Estrogen Positive Feedback.”
The MCORRP program will continue to transform careers and perspectives for honors students in the future. In fact, this year, Dr. Eagle is opening a second slot for an HC student, a choice that reflects the quality of past participants, such as Varsha, and student interest in experiences that connect research and application. “This is what the Honors College is all about,” says HC Dean Toni Doolen, who helped arrange the partnership. “Opportunities like the MCORRP internship build skills that change individual student lives in ways that make the future better for us all.”
CATEGORIES: Alumni and Friends Experience Homestories Students