By David Chiang (incoming class of 2009)
On September 8, 2014, Dr. Eric J. Nestler became interim MD/PhD director, taking charge while the hunt for our new director was ongoing. In his short time as interim director, Dr. Nestler represented the program through the interview season and led us bravely in enacting positive changes for the program.
As his first act as director, Dr. Nestler held an open meeting for all MD/PhD students to discuss changes we would like to see to make the program bigger and better. One of these changes, for example, was brokering a deal with the medical school to allow flexible return date options for MD/PhDs going back to third year clerkships between July and October. In doing so, Dr. Nestler effectively gave students a chance to graduate more often within 8 years or, in some cases, graduate earlier.
Though Dr. Margaret Baron is now heading the program, Dr. Nestler has generously agreed to stay involved in an advisory capacity. So, we thank you, Dr. Nestler, for your time and efforts on our behalf, and we look forward to your continued involvement in helping us grow!