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Dear MD/PhD trainees,</div>
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I'm writing to introduce myself as the incoming Director of the MD/PhD Program here at SUNY Upstate. I'm honored to step into this role, and I'm genuinely looking forward to getting to know each of you and supporting you through all stages of your training.</div>
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Before anything else, I want to recognize and thank Dr. Patty Kane for her leadership of the program and for making this a smooth transition. I'm grateful for her guidance and support as I get up to speed.</div>
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A little about me: I'm an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and my lab studies viral immunology, with a primary focus on dengue virus. I've had the privilege of mentoring several MD/PhD trainees during my time at Upstate,
so I've seen firsthand how demanding — and how rewarding — this journey can be. As a program, we hold high expectations and will hold you to a very high standard. I hope, and expect, that you will hold me and the program to that same standard in return, and
I look forward to continuing to build on the program's strengths together.</div>
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I'm also looking forward to partnering with our Program Coordinator, Andrea Cifonelli - whom you already know as an invaluable resource and the beating heart of the program - and with our Medical Co-Director, Dr. Auyon Ghosh. Together we're committed to making
sure you have the support, mentorship, and advocacy you need to thrive.</div>
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I'm looking forward to meeting more of you face-to-face at program events over the summer, and I'd be glad to set up an in-person meeting in the near future for anyone who is interested.</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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<p class="WordSection1" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black;"><b>Adam T. Waickman, PhD</b></span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Director, MD/PhD Program</span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black;">Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology</span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black;">SUNY Upstate Medical University</span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(24, 26, 15); background-color: white;">766 Irving Avenue</span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(24, 26, 15); background-color: white;">Syracuse, NY 13210</span></p>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Phone: 315-464-7958</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black;">Email:
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0, 120, 215);"><a href="mailto:waickmaa@upstate.edu" title="mailto:waickmaa@upstate.edu" data-outlook-id="6a0d8534-5cf1-470d-92ab-741c44467710" style="color: rgb(0, 120, 215); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><u>waickmaa@upstate.edu</u></a></span></p>
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