The MSTP Student Council is an elected body serving essential organizational, programmatic, and social roles for the students and administration of the CU Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). This student-led advocacy organization represents the unique perspectives and needs of a growing student population on the Anschutz Medical Campus. The core roles and functions of the MSTP Student Council are listed in the following tabs, divided into Five Prongs: Advice, Communication, Policy, and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Advocacy (IDEA), and Community Outreach.
(Meals & Mentorship advice event)
Advice: The MSTP SC compiles and consolidates advice, resources, and wisdom of senior students and hosts events to help all students navigate MD/PhD transitions and milestones. Events are planned and implemented by MSTP SC.
- Associated events: Meals & Mentorship (M&M) Series (MD-to-PhD & How to Publish; PhD-to-MD & How to Succeed in Clinic; MSTP-to-Beyond: Preparing and Applying for Residency).
(MSTP-Park Day)
Communication: The MSTP SC is a conduit for reciprocal communication between the MSTP student body and the MSTP administration. MSTP SC also serves to promote program cohesion, community building, and peer mentorship through social events. The Communication Committee is responsible for overseeing the social, interactive, and messaging program of MSTP SC.
- Associated events: MSTP Park-Day, Social Hours, Annual MSTP Retreat, Revisit Weekend
- Initiatives: MSTP-Pods, SWAG
- Resources: SC-Slack, MSTP Intranet (repository of MSTP resources), Quarantine Chronicles Newsletter, Twitter
Policy: The MSTP SC studies issues related to current program structure and makes recommendations for programmatic change to the MSTP administration. Policy changes are recommended only after careful consideration and consultation of the MSTP student body and all relevant stakeholders.
- Associated events: Quarterly MSTP SC Business Meetings.
- Current Topics for Study: New curriculum, Return to Clinic Refresher Course
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Advocacy (IDEA): The MSTP SC serves to facilitate a broad awareness of how and why diversity is unequivocally linked to all MSTP areas of concern such as intellectual freedom, education and continual learning, literacy and fairness of access; to support our current and future students in all aspects of equity and justice; and to foster the development of a diverse MSTP student community.
- Studies diversity issues affecting MSTP students, recommends policy changes, advocates for students facing discrimination, collaborates with other campus advocacy groups, and interfaces with Community Outreach
Community Outreach:
As a branch of the MSTP
Student Council, the MSTP Community Outreach Group has the mission to connect
with and provide community to people regardless of race, gender, or family
income. The Community Outreach Group coordinates community service and
engagement opportunities for MSTP students. This includes emailing existing
volunteer opportunities on campus monthly, regular meeting with the Outreach
Interest Group, organizing service projects, supporting MSTP student-led
outreach initiatives, and building new outreach programs.
Annual Projects:
AMC
Pre-doc Mentoring Program, STEM Scholars, MD-PhD Panel Informational Session,
and community volunteer projects
Past Outreach Projects/Initiatives:
Summer Research Training Program (SRTP), Westminster High School Scientific Advisory Board and Outreach, monthly Outreach Interest Group meetings, and more!
Douglas Fritz
Policy Co-Chair
MS2
Fun Fact: I play Jazz trumpet!
Annika Gustafson
Outreach Co-Chair
GS2 Molecular Biology
Fun Fact: I have been scuba diving in a volcanic crater in Utah
Connor Hughes (he/him)
Co-President & Policy Co-Chair
GS5, Pharmacology
Fun Fact: Connor has played percussion and the drumset for 19 years (and pictured here with Dr. Peter Agre)!
Kelsey Kines
Communications Chair
GS3, Cancer Biology
Fun Fact: I have been dancing since I was 2 years old and I still take classes today in Denver!
Roy Shanawaj Khair (he/him)
Advice Co-Chair
GS4, Molecular Biology
Fun Fact: Roy is from Queens, NY and did not get a driver's license until he moved to Colorado in 2017!
Jackie Turner (she/her)
Co-President & Outreach Co-Chair
GS3, Pharmacology
Fun Fact: Jackie loves visiting the Denver Cat Cafe!