Individuals trained in both medicine and science are uniquely positioned to advance medicine, said Tom Buchanan, associate dean for clinical research, in his greeting to more than 65 Keck School of Medicine faculty and students at the Clinician-Scientist Mentoring Dinner held Jan. 27 at USC’s University Park Campus.

“Scientific training can create better physicians, and research improves both the practice of medicine and the prevention of disease,” Buchanan said to the students in the audience. “I want to encourage you to continue your pursuit of excellence in medicine by developing translational research opportunities while here at the Keck School and throughout your careers.”

Such encouragement was the theme of the evening hosted by Keck School Dean Carmen A. Puliafito and organized by Buchanan and Keck’s Vice Dean for Research Elizabeth Fini. Puliafito told the gathering, “The quality and character of our clinician-scientists make for a wonderful environment. We want to remind you to never give up on research, as it will enrich your careers, help your patients and advance medicine.”

Featured speaker Neil Kaplowitz, director of USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, echoed the encouragement during his talk entitled, “A Plumber Finds Happiness in the Liver.”

Kaplowitz, who worked his way through high school and college as a plumber, has made pioneering contributions to the field of research involving liver disease. Among his accomplishments, he has published more than 175 peer-reviewed scientific articles and has edited nine books related to liver disease. But, he says, the contribution of which he is most proud is the mentoring of young scientists for over 25 years, many of whom now hold prominent positions in research in this country and abroad.

“What makes me tick is the ability to advance clinical care through scientific research,” Kaplowitz said. “I was fortunate to have a mentor in the 1960s who was an M.D./Ph.D., which was unique at that time.” Kaplowitz explained that his mentor was focused on the liver, and his plumbing instincts were aroused because of the unique dual blood supply with hepatic artery (hot water), portal vein (cold water) and bile duct (waste pipe).

Among the students in the audience was M.D./Ph.D. candidate Melissa Lechner, who believes in the value of a dedicated mentor. She encourages Keck School students and faculty to seek out mentoring relationships.

“Faculty members who wish to be involved with students can initiate a relationship by engaging students in discussion and by offering opportunities for students to learn more about their professional activities,” she said. “Faculty might offer shadowing or journal club activities that the students may attend. Additionally, faculty could exchange contact information with potential mentees and suggest that the student come by for an office visit to facilitate further discussion.”

Lechner advises that the most important first steps for a faculty member interested in mentoring students are to begin a dialogue with students and to present oneself as willing to teach and share one’s advice and experience.