RESEARCH
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: MEET VARI'S PHYSICIAN-SCIENTISTS Q Lena Brundin, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor, Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute; Collaborating Researcher, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
Patrick Grohar, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor, Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute; Pediatric Oncologist, Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
Stefan Jovinge, M.D., Ph.D. Professor, Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute; Director, DeVos Cardiovascular Research Program (a joint effort between VARI and Spectrum Health); Medical Director of Research, Frederik Meijer Heart & Vascular Institute, Spectrum Health
Matthew Steensma, M.D. Assistant Professor, Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute; Orthopedic Surgeon, Spectrum Health
What is the best part of being a physicianscientist?
MS: There are many wonderful aspects of being a physician-scientist, as well as unique challenges. What I really like about physician-scientist work is the ability to see the "entire picture," from bedside to bench and back. In my opinion, it's the best way to develop a comprehensive understanding of a complex disease like sarcoma. When you do translational research as a clinician, you acquire a deep understanding of the genetics or molecular biology of disease. It's a great reminder of the invisible battle going on inside of a patient. It can also be incredibly frustrating because it takes a lot of time to implement promising research findings, or your project simply fails. These frustrations are inherent to all medical research, but as a physicianscientist you always want to see the impact of your research. In many ways, our success is defined by how we improve the lives of our patients through research. The job is very motivating, not only for myself but also for our lab members, who really appreciate the context of their work. SJ: In my case as a critical care cardiologist, I see very sick patients, sometimes in a hopeless condition. To be part of the cutting edge to generate new technologies and treatments gives me a lot of inspiration and energy to move things forward. LB: The best part is that I am able to do true translational research. I observe symptoms in patients that generate ideas and hypotheses that I then can test directly in my own laboratory. It is very fulfilling to be able to work like that. It is great to work with the full spectrum of research—to enroll patients in our clinical studies working directly with several hospitals in Grand Rapids; to evaluate the patient’s symptoms; collect blood and tissue samples; and then work on these samples in my own laboratory, put together the results, and finally interpret them, often together with our skilled biostatisticians at VARI. PG: Being a physician-scientist is the best of both worlds. I enjoy working directly with patients and making a
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