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Trainee Page |
Each year the meeting provides an environment that is very hospitable for trainees to interact with society members in both informal and scientific settings. Students are given the opportunity to present and discuss their work in poster sessions, while others are given the invaluable experience of participating in designated oral sessions. In both instances, this provides an excellent opportunity to receive constructive feedback from colleagues and distinguished members.
This year's American Society of Andrology meeting was set in motion by a stimulating keynote lecture given by Dr John Robert Aitken which highlighted the molecular mechanisms regulating sperm function. A welcome reception at which attendees conversed and exchanged scientific ideas while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and beverages followed.
Throughout the meeting there were many captivating lectures encompassing themes in basic and clinical andrology. We learned about the regulation of testis formation, sexual differentiation, new genes involved in spermatogenesis and fertility, and exciting advances in the development of novel male contraceptives. Other stimulating topics included the ethics and techniques surrounding preimplantation genetic diagnosis and the implications of embryonic stem cell research in reproductive medicine. Adding to the breadth of this year's meeting were advancements in the field of erectile dysfunction and the cancer patient as well as adverse effects of toxicant exposure on male development and fertility.
Following a thought-provoking series of lectures and poster presentations, the trainee forum and mixer was an ideal occasion for students to intermingle with each other and formally meet with senior researchers and clinicians in a relaxed atmosphere. During this time, Dr Donna Vogel presented the National Institute of Health's (NIH) Trainee Travel Awards to many national and international students. Many thanks to Dr Michael Palladino, the Trainee Affairs Committee, and all the sponsors for promoting student participation by assisting with travel expenses to the meeting. Our gratitude is also extended to those who supported the students by purchasing "Symphony of Stages" CDs and sperm pendants and/or participating in the auction which together raised almost $1000 to be put toward next year's student travel funds.
Excellence in research is highly recognized at the meeting by the Outstanding Trainee Investigator, Ann Steinberger, and Trainee Merit Awards, which were presented by Dr Paul Cooke after this year's annual business meeting. Congratulations to all 2006 award recipients.
The annual American Society of Andrology meeting is a wonderful opportunity for trainees to meet and interact with many new and established professionals contributing to all areas of andrology. Attending the meeting is a friendly, educational, and rewarding experience, which may open many avenues for future career opportunities. The American Society of Andrology members are highly motivated toward encouraging the active participation of trainees and young investigators and promoting a vibrant and exciting environment to network and exchange scientific ideas. It is our anticipation that if you did not attend this year, this brief summary will attract your interest for future meetings. We look forward to the 2007 meeting, which will be held in Tampa, Florida in conjunction with the North American Testis Workshop, to once again encounter familiar faces, meet new trainees, and join in the excitement of first-rate andrology research!
Special Report on the Trainee Affairs/Minority Affairs Luncheon
The American Society of Andrology's continued support of trainees and minorities is very impressive. Every year the society hosts a trainee mixer forum that allows young trainee members to interact with other members of the society to understand the importance of such meetings, while also providing an environment for networking. This year our society has implemented a new way to increase interactions between trainees and mentors by hosting a "trainee affairs/minority affairs luncheon." The luncheon, which was catered with pizza and salads, was organized by the joint efforts of the Minority Affairs and Trainee Affairs Committees. The luncheon started with a warm welcome by the Trainee Affairs Committee Chair, Dr Michael Palladino, and Minority Affairs Committee Chair, Dr Bud Burnett, who briefly explained that the purpose of the luncheon was to encourage trainees/minorities within the field of scientific research. It was very encouraging to see that a significant number of trainees and their respective advisors attended the luncheon. On behalf of all the committee members, we want to thank Drs Palladino and Burnett for taking the time and effort to provide such a wonderful arena for trainees/minorities.
Following the opening remarks, the featured speaker, Dr Patricia DeLeon, herself a member of a minority group, presented great insight into her "sperm aging hypothesis." Her tremendous knowledge of epididymal proteins such as SPAM1 and their role in sperm maturation, including their involvement in spermatozoa's ability to penetrate the cumulus around the egg, was well portrayed in her presentation. Her well-established reputation in the field of andrology inspires young researchers, especially minorities, to excel within the field of male reproductive biology, especially if assisted by such graceful societies as the American Society of Andrology.
After Dr DeLeon's talk, a brief welcome was given by one of the pillars of the society, Dr Barry Hinton. Dr Hinton explained to us the true meaning of education. Afterwards he presented us with a quiz, which posed the question of where we saw ourselves after 0.5, 5, 10, and 20 years. The quiz was phenomenal, and it motivated everyone to share their expectations of themselves. After pondering our expectations, Dr Hinton emphasized the need to change every minute and made us tear up our list of expectations. He asked to put aside our yearly prospects and urged us to simply accept the change.
The NIH Program Director of Male Reproductive Health, Dr Tracy Rankin, concluded the luncheon. She provided a brief summary of the electronic submission of NIH grants as well as information regarding the present NIH grant opportunities for minorities. Overall, the luncheon was a great success.
Footnotes
DOI: 10.2164/jandrol.106.000844
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