In addition to being at Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, I worked one day a week at the Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). This is a public hospital located in downtown Boston and is considered by many to be one of the world’s best hospitals. Here, the world’s first ether anesthesia was performed, where a number of interested doctors observed the incident, see the legendary image (hanging in The Ether Dome; find the error!). I participated in several Grand Rounds in endocrinology in this room. The level of these was impressive. Assistant doctors gave presentations that were very detailed, and biochemistry and genetics were carefully dissected. There was plenty of time for discussions where seniors were very active. The first time I was there, it was full flap. The two presentations were about MODY and hyperinsulin, respectively. These are two disease groups that I have worked a lot with as a clinician and researcher for many years!
Otherwise, at MGH every week there is a presentation of a case for all doctors in education and other interested. These include supplementary information from several doctors involved in investigation and treatment. Own personnel write up what is said and the one who held the presentation finally publishes it in the New England Journal of Medicine. I was attending my boss, Professor Jose Florez MD PhD, his presentation of an unusual case of gestational diabetes. The presentation was just amazing. It was elegant and to the point, easily explained but still detailed when it comes to investigation and treatment. In addition, he included state-of-the-art at the research front in the field. The presentation was with a decent portion of humor so it didn’t get boring. The presentation was of great inspiration when it comes to, for example, teaching of students. Our teaching should be research-based. It must be updated. The students are particularly pleased with lecturers who are inspiring. It often doesn’t take much more than giving a little bit of oneself and with a smile occasionally. Then the students better follow the talk.
Have a great weekend!
