Varun Patel in front of the American College of Sports Medicine Mid-Atlantic Chapter sign, where he presented his research.
Varun Patel is a second-year student in the Sports Medicine (SM) program at Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). Last year, Patel presented a poster at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Mid-Atlantic Chapter, where he shared his research findings on military injuries.
Through his experience presenting at ACSM, Patel showcased his work within the Sports Medicine program, helping to elevate his career aspirations. Patel’s research and the multidisciplinary courses in the SM program have encouraged him to continue conducting research as he forges his path toward medical school.
Choosing Pitt Sports Medicine
After attending Pitt as an undergraduate studying biology and economics, Patel said the Master of Science in Sports Medicine program was an easy next step.
“The Sports Medicine program was the perfect opportunity for me to continue my education, expanding upon both my research and academic interests,” Patel said. “I was particularly interested in the research opportunities through the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory (NMRL) that would allow me to apply my knowledge and skillsets through translational research. After getting to know the program and lab directors, Dr. Mary Murray, Dr. Katelyn Allison and Dr. Bradley Nindl, and learning about the curriculum, I knew I could learn about core sports medicine concepts while exploring various elective courses of interest and a thesis of my choice."
The Presentation at American College of Sports Medicine
Varun Patel at his American College of Sports Medicine presentation.
At the ACSM presentation, Patel shared his research findings pertaining to a larger research study the laboratory is investigating: the greater risk of injuries and attrition among women in military training environments as opposed to men.
“Through analyzing stress hormonal concentrations, I presented the changes in stress among men and women before and after a 10-week training course at the Officer Candidates School at the Marine Corps Base Quantico,” Patel said. “Our findings were both intriguing and complex, though they provided valuable insights into a greater anticipatory physiological stress and a greater change in stress hormones among women. I find the research into injury prevention in military environments fascinating, and our work in addressing sex differences in these environments even more so. I was eager to explore this topic as understanding these hormonal responses could provide insight into their roles in prospective injury and attrition risk.”
During the process of completing his research, Patel said he relied heavily on the Sports Medicine program’s resources and faculty to guide his success.
“Investigating this topic and pursuing my thesis research would not be possible without my strong relationships with faculty and staff throughout the NMRL and the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences,” Patel said. “Dr. Bradley Nindl and Dr. Brian Martin provided me with the opportunity to travel and help with data collection. I am also grateful for Dr. Kristen Koltun, Dr. Mita Lovalekar and students Jenny Forse and Evan Fiegel for their feedback and support throughout all portions of this research project. The accessibility of faculty and the laboratory makes getting involved in research easy and the wide-ranging instrumentation available allows for studies of all varieties.”
Varun Patel presenting his research at the American College of Sports Medicine.
While the presentation itself was nerve-wracking, Patel said it was fulfilling to exhibit his findings and witness his colleagues do the same.
“Presenting to a room full of experts on sports medicine can be intimidating, though I felt confident in my knowledge of my research and its relevant topics,” Patel said. “The presentation went well, and I loved hearing feedback and questions from the crowd. More than anything, I enjoyed watching the other podium and poster presentations throughout the day, particularly those of fellow students and NMRL staff members.”
A Stepping Stone to Medical School
Mary Murray, associate professor and director of the Sports Medicine program, emphasized that the research and development opportunities available throughout the program can serve as stepping stones for students like Patel who have career goals beyond sports medicine.
“Varun’s dedication to exploring the diverse aspects of the curriculum reflects his commitment to building a robust foundation for his future career endeavors,” Murray said. “Engaging in research not only aligns with the program’s objectives, but also helps to advance the body of knowledge in the field of sports medicine. A student’s academic journey in this program is a continuous evolution and taking advantage of the many opportunities available will serve as a springboard for success in the next stages of their careers.”
Though Patel will not be researching this specific topic further, he will be working alongside PhD student Jenny Forse on a paper examining psychological stress responses to military training. Patel shared that the opportunity to present his research at ACSM, and his experience in the Sports Medicine program overall, have substantially prepared him for the next steps in his career--he aims to head to medical school after graduation.
“The courses in the sports medicine program, ranging from anatomy and pathokinesiology to nutrition and bioethics, have provided me with a strong foundation to build on as I prepare for the next stages of my career,” Patel said. “Additionally, my research experience as a sports medicine student has prepared and encouraged me to continue engaging in research as a medical student.”
-------
Read more about the Sports Medicine program on our website or contact an enrollment specialist at enroll@shrs.pitt.edu today!