Medical student research profile: Jai Sareen explores connection between fatigue and inflammatory bowel disease
Jai Sareen spent his first summer of the bachelor of science in medicine (B.Sc. (Med.) program immersed in the world of gastroenterology research.
The B.Sc. (Med.) program allows students in the Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences to spend two summers – following their first and second years of the four-year MD program – working on their own project as full-time researchers. A summer research program is also open to students after second and third years.
Sareen’s study is focused on better understanding what causes fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The second-year medical student is hypothesizing that it could be caused by the disruption of the circadian rhythm, the 24-hour cycle that regulates changes in the body.
“We’re trying to connect the dots so we can have a better understanding of how we can help IBD patients with fatigue and ultimately improve their quality of life,” Sareen said.
UM Today sat down with Sareen to learn about his experience as a B.Sc. (Med.) student at UM.
Why did you enroll in the B.Sc. (Med.) program?
I enrolled in the program for a few different reasons.
The first reason is the people I get to work with. I’m connected with top experts in the field of gastroenterology, an area I’m interested in. My supervisor, Dr. Charles Bernstein, is an amazing mentor and teacher. Our website offers more information about the work we are doing.
The second reason is to build my research skills. I want to become a clinician-scientist. I like the idea of developing a clinical question after seeing a patient, which then can become a research question. So not only can I help the patient in front of me, but help patients beyond Winnipeg and Canada.
The last reason is that I personally get to explore areas that I’m curious about. What’s key for anybody who’s thinking about doing the B.Sc. (Med.) program is reflecting on what areas they might be interested in, because that naturally gets you invested into uncovering the story behind your topic. It can make the process more engaging and rewarding.
Why do you think it’s important for medical students to gain hands-on research experience?
Research is a skill. It’s amazing to learn from those who have been incredibly successful in research such as Dr. Bernstein. I also enjoy learning from his amazing team who have had lots of success and have supported me in building my research skills.
I’ve done some research in past summers, but I really like how the B.Sc. (Med.) program is set up so you have a specific project with a specific role. You feel like you have more responsibility and that helps you gain the skills needed to be a clinician-researcher.
Has the B.Sc. (Med.) experience enticed you to conduct research after medical school?
Definitely, the program has helped me feel more empowered to pursue research because I feel so supported, and that has helped me pursue my own research interests outside of the B.Sc. (Med.) program. I’m working on a few other projects with UM professors in these areas as well. I’ve gained confidence in my research skills and took the initiative to contact different supervisors in areas of interest.
What is something about research that you didn’t know about until you took part in this program?
I learned that in research that there is a lot of freedom to ask your own questions. The supervisor is there to support you.
It’s important to have a curious mind and take the initiative in the areas you want to work in. I’ve been able to experience that kind of freedom this summer working with Dr. Bernstein and other leading experts in different fields.