The Second Annual Research Symposium organized by Lebanese American University Medical Student Association proved to be a great success (LAU-MSA). The event was hosted on the 13th of April at the University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital. The presence and support of the President of the Lebanese American University, Dr. Joseph Jabra, and the Dean of the School of Medicine, Dr. Youssef Coumair was of great honor to the students and organizers.
Oral Presentations on the most recent advances in clinical and basic science research at LAU and its affiliated hospital, Rizk Hospital were presented in four sessions each ending with a Q&A session. At noon, a buffet lunch was served at the garden of the hospital, where both medical and pre-medical students, medical practitioners, and faculty of the school of medicine had room to make acquaintance and network together. The poster presentations were distributed around the garden, for inspection by the attendees after lunch.
Through this symposium, the attendees, from different universities, were exposed to various kinds of research taking place at LAU, and to their results. This allowed for the cross-talk between different fields of medicine and natural sciences department, allowing for the productive exchange of information. Furthermore, it allowed for vital interaction between attendees, which may result in fruitful collaboration in the future.
During the symposium, an inspiring key note speech was given by Dean Coumair, titled 'The Anatomy of Decision". Before giving the speech, he began by congratulating LAU MSA for joining the American Medical Students Association (AMSA). The speech tackled the science of brain oscillations in relation to brain pathologies such as Parkinson's disease. It also tackled the role neurotransmitters play in decision-making. Dr. Coumair, a leading neurosurgeon, held various important positions prior to becoming the Dean of the LAU School of Medicine. Furthermore, he was on the pioneering team that revolutionized the surgical treatment of epilepsy in children in the 1990's.
At the end of the day, Dean Coumair announced the winners for the best oral and poster presentation, as well as the first runner-up for the oral presentations, handing them a trophy and a small monetary reward to encourage such commendable efforts. A jury consisting of the some of the best practitioners in the country rated the presentations and posters throughout the day.
Without the efforts of the jury, practitioners, faculty, dean, attendees and organizing committee this event would not have been successful. Their efforts are greatly appreciated by the LAU-MSA.
It is undoubtedly that with the progression of research, the medical field continues to advance to better serve the patients. This symposium helped acknowledge the efforts of the researchers, and provide a forum for gaining ideas for new research projects. Once again, congratulations to the LAU MSA team for joining AMSA and for this magnificent research symposium.
-Margueritta El Asmar
