I was first intensively introduced to neurology as a field, and neuroimmunology more specifically, through my original application to FCMSC. Through my project and presentation I investigated the field of neuroimmunology, and the CMSC Annual Meeting expanded my horizons further. 

The Scholar Luncheon allowed me to network with MS specialists from different areas and learn more about the opportunities at different residency programs.

The disease has impacts in really every aspect of life and it was great to meet people and understand that. I also appreciate that the CMSC has patient centered programming highlighting patient experience.

The CMSC Annual Meeting provided me with the opportunity to network with many accomplished pediatric neurologists and provided me with the chance to learn about all of the amazing work dedicated towards tackling multiple sclerosis.

Throughout my research experience, I gained extensive exposure to variable clinical presentations of pediatric MS and came to understand the nuances of diagnosing the disease and tracking its progression. The longitudinal relationships that form between physicians and MS patients also became clear given the chronic, progressive nature of the disease.

At the Annual Meeting I was able to connect with potential mentors and collaborators. It was also great to have the chance to speak with peers about their research and to generate new ideas for future studies.  In doing my research project, I loved being able to work with patients and see the broad spectrum of presentations of MS and related disorders. 

My presentation and participation at the CMSC Annual Meeting not only helped me develop my research and analytical skills, but it also encouraged me to pursue neurology as my chosen field during residency. I had very little exposure to neurology before this project, and through this project, I was inspired to learn more and become an advocate for MS, NMOSD, and other demyelinating diseases.

My presentation and participation at the CMSC Annual Meeting has solidified my interest in multiple sclerosis and my interest in attending future CMSC meetings.  I learned so much about multiple sclerosis from the short lectures/workshops.   

Presenting at a conference is a key part of learning how to develop and conduct research that is pertinent to a field. It also allows students to learn how to communicate the research they do to others in a succinct and well thought out manner. It really opened up the opportunity for upper level research to be conducted as a medical student, which is a rare opportunity. 

My presentation and participation at the CMSC Annual Meeting helped me carry through the research project cycle from the start all the way to presentation. It also enabled networking opportunities with people in MS research I would have never met.