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null Pulling out all the stops at the RI-MUHC’s first Open House for prospective trainees

World-renowned researchers. Vibrant learning environment. First-class facilities. If it sounds too good to be true, you weren’t at the Open House!

Nov. 18, 2019

Source: RI-MUHC. At the first Open House for prospective research trainees at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), future graduates were eager to check out, in person, why the RI-MUHC is a great choice for graduate studies and postdoctoral training. On November 12 some 60 prospective master’s and doctoral students and postdocs spent an evening at the Glen site. They met current research trainees and potential supervisors in a relaxed setting, toured the impressive research facilities and showered representatives of the eight research programs with questions.

Anyone considering graduate studies in science has a multitude of questions about this step in their career. The RI-MUHC program managers all hold PhDs and have firsthand experience to share. They also know all the trainees passing through their program who have wrestled with these questions:

“What kind of research setting is the best fit for my strengths?”
“How can I connect with a great supervisor?”
“Is this formation right for my career goals?”
And even, “Do I have what it takes to conduct research?”

RI-MUHC program managers organized the first Open House for prospective research trainees at the Research Institute of the MUHC (November 12, 2019)
RI-MUHC program managers organized the first Open House for prospective research trainees at the Research Institute of the MUHC (November 12, 2019)

As manager of the Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Sabine Dhir, PhD, had a hand in organizing the event. “It’s not just for newcomers to the RI-MUHC,” she said, “it’s also a great opportunity for undergrads already working on research projects at the RI-MUHC to think about taking the next step, a graduate program in the McGill and RI-MUHC environment.”

Students who attended the event were enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn more, not only about ongoing research, but about the researchers making it happen at the RI-MUHC.

“Researchers are always looking for motivated new recruits. And those recruits will be better motivated with an understanding of what they’re getting into” –Marie-Claude Gingras, program manager, RI-MUHC

“Participants commented that it’s not always easy to find a supervisor whose research interests match your own, and that the event was very helpful in showcasing labs that are actively recruiting,” said Marie-Claude Gingras, PhD, who manages the Cancer Research Program. “Of course, the benefits are on both sides! The idea for this event came from researchers who are always looking for motivated new recruits. And those recruits will be better motivated with an understanding of what they’re getting into, the magnitude of the research and its clinical impact.”

Also of interest was the exceptional support for career planning at the RI-MUHC. It is, in fact, the only centre within a Quebec health research institute that offers structured career support alongside graduate or postdoctoral training, through the Desjardins Centre for Advanced Training (DCAT).

So, exactly how do you become an RI-MUHC trainee?

To conduct graduate work at the RI-MUHC, trainees must be accepted into graduate studies at McGill University. Prospective research trainees should contact professors directly to inquire about pursuing graduate studies in their lab before formally applying to McGill University for admission as a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow. Each McGill department has specific requirements, and prospective research trainees are encouraged to consult their potential supervisor for guidance when applying.

Learn more on the RI-MUHC website

First Open House for prospective research trainees at the Research Institute of the MUHC (November 12, 2019)
First Open House for prospective research trainees at the Research Institute of the MUHC (November 12, 2019)
First Open House for prospective research trainees at the Research Institute of the MUHC (November 12, 2019)