Benefits Go Beyond Summer for YSM Research Program

Choosing to intern in obstetrics and gynecology was a very personal decision for Maame Yaa Aso.

“I had a prenatal birth experience with my first son that I knew could have, should have been better in so many ways,” says Aso. “I want to be part of the change we need to see.”

Maame Yaa Aso, who goes by Mya, was one of the medical students who participated in the latest Yale School of Medicine [YSM] Summer Research Program. Aso worked directly with Assistant Professor of Ob/Gyn Molly McAdow, MD, PhD.

The eight-week program, now in its fourth year, was spearheaded by Marietta Vazquez, MD, associate dean of medical student diversity. It is offered to first-year medical students from Meharry Medical College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Ponce School of Medicine, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, and University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. Students are paired with Yale faculty from various research fields.

Yale Ob/Gyn was an early supporter.

“Pathway programs like these are critical at all ages and stages because they help create excitement about a career path or field while also making that path tangible and accessible,” says Sangini Sheth, MD, MPH, Yale Ob/Gyn vice chair for DEI.

At first, Aso says she was nervous about working with McAdow and did not know if her research ability was up to par. But the sentiment soon disappeared.

“Dr. McAdow was patient in showing me the ropes and getting me settled in and ready to work,” says Aso. “She made me aware of her current projects and allowed me to choose based on my interests. I was well trained and ready for my role because she and her team took the time to train me and provide pertinent information.”

McAdow explains it was a win-win.

“She [Aso] helped us gain momentum on part of the project that was going slowly, and she generated some data that turned into a nice poster and presentation. I think it was helpful for all of us.”

“Working on my public speaking was an objective of mine, and I was grateful for the opportunity to fine-tune those critical skills,” says Aso, who also spent part of her summer in a wet lab.

“This was my first time in the lab, and I found everything fascinating. Dr. McAdow answered all my questions passionately and was genuinely excited about my curiosity,” says Aso. “I loved that, and I felt empowered to ask more.”

“Working with interns reminds me of why I love medicine and how important it is to guide the next generation of medical students,” says Clark.

As co-director of the Center for Trophoblastic Disease, a rare type of cancer that develops from abnormal pregnancies, Clark says they see a lot of rare cases.

“Our student, Jazmine, helped put together, essentially, the 15-year Yale experience with a rare type of trophoblastic tumor … This will hopefully be the foundation of future work that may lead to a clinical trial,” says Clark.

“If you have never been in a lab or presented a poster, those experiences can seem daunting,” says Sheth. “But if the exposure happens through a supportive program, with others whose lived experiences may be like yours, and with mentorship such as what Drs. Clark and McAdow were able to provide, the balance changes.”

One of the biggest takeaways for Aso was her climb in confidence.

“I tend to think I will fail even before I give myself a chance and end up passing on opportunities,” admits Aso. “After this summer, my confidence - an essential trait for any physician - has definitely been boosted.”

A positive side effect of a program, says Clark, McAdow, and Sheth, that not only benefits the student, but also the future of medicine.

“We know that diversity of thought and experiences improves care of our patients and enhances teamwork and creativity,” says Sheth. “These programs are critical to workforce diversity in health care and science. They give young people an opportunity to consider these fields, to consider coming to Yale, to consider a career in Ob/Gyn and reproductive sciences.”