Every year, medical school students from across the U.S. participate in a summer of clinical and translational research in Harvard labs through the Visiting Research Internship Program (VRIP), offered by the Harvard Catalyst Diversity Inclusion program. This summer, VRIP has taken on a new digital format. Hear from summer intern Chelsie Poindexter on her research interests and experience so far.

What’s your name, where do you go to school, and what are you studying?

Hi, my name is Chelsie Poindexter and I am a second year medical student at Meharry Medical College.

Who is your mentor and what is your project?

This summer, I have the pleasure of working with Dr. Joshua  Joseph of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and our project focuses on distinguishing stroke from stroke mimics in the emergency department.

What are you most looking forward to about your summer internship?

I am most looking forward to networking with the other students in the program and Harvard affiliated faculty. Thus far, the best part of my experience has been the weekly seminars. I am also looking forward to having one-on-one conversations with Harvard faculty and picking their brains about their research interests as well as their career paths.

What are your future career plans?

My future career plans are to pursue a medical specialty where I can be an advocate for my patients and underserved communities. I am really passionate about health equity and improving the delivery of healthcare for all.

Summarize your VRIP experience in five words so far. 

Five words I would use to summarize my VRIP experience are enriching, challenging, insightful, fun, and unique.