Mind Matters: Navigating Mental Health as Physician-Scientists

The 12th annual EMPA conference:

On October 25-26th the EMPA is coming back home to it's founding city in Groningen, the Netherlands. This year’s conference is going to address an incredibly important issue: Mental Health. It is going to be a perfect moment for junior researchers, (aspiring) MD/PhD students, medical doctors, and biomedical researchers who want to share their experiences and journeys as future physician-scientists. As in previous editions, participants are going to have the opportunity to present their research in front of colleagues and expert scientists, and challenge themselves in a dynamic and stimulating environment!

Why should you join this event?

• Inspiring Role Models: Hear from accomplished MD/PhD professionals who have successfully integrated research into their medical practice. Be inspired by their stories, learn from their experiences, and gain valuable insights into how you can leverage creativity to excel in your own dual-degree pursuits.

• Networking with Peers: Connect with like-minded (aspiring)MD/PhD students from across Europe who share your aspirations and understand the unique path you have chosen. Build a supportive network, exchange ideas, and forge collaborations that can enrich your future research endeavors.

• Showcasing Your Research: Seize the chance to present your research findings or innovative ideas through poster sessions or oral presentations. Share your work with a receptive audience of peers, experts, and potential collaborators, receiving valuable feedback and recognition for your contributions.

• Stimulating Discussions: Engage in meaningful conversations with our esteemed speakers and fellow MD/PhD students during dedicated moments, to build a fruitful exchange about mental health, and how it might be affected in an aspiring physician-scientist journey through all the difficulties that such a relevant choice of life may bring with itself.

• Mentorship Opportunities: Benefit from the guidance and mentorship of experienced researchers and professionals who are passionate about nurturing the next generation of MD/PhD talent. Gain valuable advice, insights, and support as you navigate your academic and research journey.

General information:

The annual conference of the European MD/PhD Association (EMPA)aims to inspire and connect (aspiring) MD/PhDs from all over Europe and to provide a stage of excellence where young physician-scientists can present their research. One of its key purposes is to bring young MD/PhDs in contact with brilliant and established physician-scientists who can provide insights and expert advice advice on a life combining medicine and research.

This year's conference is taking place in collaboration with the University of Groningen and the University Medical Center Groningen, leading institutions in international biomedical research and the educational process of future physician-scientist generations.

Our venue will be inside the futuristic and welcoming structure of the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), the main hospital of Groningen and one of the largest centers for transplant surgery in the world. It attracts bright minds from all over the world and nowadays represents one of the most advanced healthcare infrastructures in the whole of Europe, with an intense research activity that covers a remarkable amount of scientific fields (e.g., transplantation, innovative cancer treatment, biology of aging, microbiome connection to human health, etc.).