MD-PhD Student Maeve Salm Shares Lab Experiences
This summer, we were thrilled to welcome incoming MD-PhD student Maeve Salm, who spent three weeks with us in her lab rotation before beginning her M1 year this fall. Maeve holds a master’s degree in global health from Duke University, and, following her graduate program, worked in the Duke Center for Global Mental Health as a clinical research coordinator.
Check out our Q&A with Maeve about her time in the lab:
What made you come to VCU and the MD/PhD program specifically?
MS: I chose VCU because of the community-engaged research happening here, the multidisciplinary departmental collaborations, the local organizations and initiatives fighting for health equity, particularly in reproductive and mental health, and the proximity to the capitol to learn how to advocate for health policy.
I sought out MD/PhD programs to effect change individually and at systems levels, wanting to pursue innovation that advances reproductive and mental health equity for young people at individual, patient, and community levels. I’m humbled to have the opportunity to learn from patients in clinical and community settings, and I look forward to learning how to synergize efforts across these spaces in Richmond.
Was your experience working in the OPT lab what you expected?
MS: Visiting the OPT lab, I was hoping to explore OPT’s various research projects, and I was able to do that and more! I’m so grateful I was able to learn more about the team’s intentionality and care for their participants and communities, demonstrated in each of their processes, from study design to data collection and reimbursement. I also had the unique opportunity to start a scoping review, so I felt the experience was strongly tailored to my interests and goals.
What was your favorite part about your visit to the lab?
MS: I loved getting to know everyone in the OPT lab! They are such a powerful and thoughtful team, full of vibrancy and dedication. We had such detailed conversations about each of the studies, various implementation considerations, related current events, and more. It was a joy to be surrounded by such a passionate crew.
We look forward to seeing more of Maeve as she completes her M1 and M2 years and returns to Social and Behavioral Sciences for her PhD coursework!
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