A panel discussion at last week's VB2020, featuring training program leaders Brian Black (UCSF), Kishore Wary (UI-Chicago) and Michael Chin (Tufts), as well as PhD student Katrina Colucci-Chang (Virginia Tech), examined a variety of impacts the coronavirus pandemic has had on the training experience in cardiovascular biology. The conversation, moderated by Bill Huckle from Virginia Tech, covered such topics as institutional and personal resilience, interruptions to funding and progress to degree, and the unexpected positives that have emerged as we have learned to cope with our challenging circumstances. Attendees and panelists agreed that, although extramural sponsors have shown extraordinary flexibility for deadlines, progress reports, and more, the times are proving uniquely stressful, emphasizing the importance of attention to mental health needs. The effects of social isolation, particularly among international students, also were of concern. The session ended on an upbeat note, however, as trainees and mentors alike shared appreciation for their colleagues' gestures of humanity, willingness to adapt cheerfully, and focus on our common goals. Quoting from the Zoom chat: "The pandemic is teaching us to be smarter, more organized, focused scientists" and "as a trainee I have learned to multi-task, organizing my agenda and meeting my deadlines! Silver lining!!"

If you'd like to watch the video of this round table discussion, follow this link:  

Information from Research!American relates closely with the topic covered in our round table, you may find this an interesting read.