Zemplen Pataki, MD/PhD24
What inspired you to pursue an MD/PhD degree, and how has your personal journey shaped your career goals?
My inspiration to pursue an MD/PhD at Tufts stems from a personal journey shaped by my upbringing and a passion for science. Growing up, I saw family members battling diseases, which made me want to do whatever I could to alleviate suffering and discover new treatments. My grandfather sparked my fascination with biology and the intricate biochemical processes that make life possible. Learning physiology in school further fueled my curiosity. Through research experiences, I became excited about contributing to human knowledge and translating discoveries into tangible therapies. A pivotal moment occurred when I attended a talk on CAR T-cell therapy, which had just been developed at the time, sparking my motivation to pursue scientific breakthroughs for the betterment of humanity. These experiences coalesced into my career goal of merging medicine and research to improve lives, driving me to pursue an MD/PhD and dedicate myself to healthcare and science.
If you could go back to before you started at Tufts and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be and why?
My advice would be to be flexible and take the long view. Your life will change in profound and unexpected ways over the course of the 8 years of the MD/PhD program. Things that seem vitally important to you now could become insignificant later as you gain experiences and your perspectives, interests and life situation change. Do your best every moment and enjoy where the journey takes you.
What are your aspirations and goals beyond graduation, both personally and professionally?
My aspirations and goals are driven by my passion for pathology and my desire to make a meaningful impact in patient care. I aim to become the best pathologist I can be by continuously expanding my knowledge base in residency and delving deeper into the molecular mechanisms underlying pathology. My curiosity about biology and human health motivates me to improve my understanding and diagnostic skills so that I can provide accurate diagnoses to patients, thereby optimizing their treatment and improving their health outcomes. I aspire to contribute to a medical team by applying my knowledge and building relationships with colleagues, not only to enhance the quality of care but also to create a collegial and enjoyable work environment. Through teaching and mentorship, I hope to inspire others and contribute to the advancement of pathology while cultivating a culture of learning and growth.
What was the focus of your doctoral research?
I studied the molecular mechanism by which Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infects cells to cause diseases ranging from common cold sores to life-threatening encephalitis. I discovered new molecular details underpinning HSV-1 infection, which could facilitate the development of new vaccines and drugs to prevent and treat these diseases.
How have your research interests evolved throughout your time at Tufts, and what impact do you hope your research will have on your field?
Throughout my MD/PhD program at Tufts, my research interests developed, guided by a passion for understanding disease mechanisms and advancing therapeutic interventions. Initially drawn to microbiology and immunology in college, I wanted to improve our understanding of the intricate interplay between pathogens and hosts, to facilitate the development of new treatments and vaccines to alleviate the global burden of infectious diseases. During my PhD years, I was immersed in the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of Herpes simplex virus 1 infection. I discovered details underpinning this process that exposed novel targets for vaccine development and drug discovery. Transitioning back to medical school, I was exposed to and fascinated by the complexity of cancer biology during my Pathology rotations. As I conclude my program, I am interested in the intersection of virology and oncology, driven by a desire to decipher how oncogenic viruses contribute to cancer development and explore innovative viral-based therapies to prevent or combat malignancies.
What advice would you offer to prospective MD/PhD students?
Choosing your PhD mentor will be the most important decision you make as they can profoundly shape your experience. Choose a supportive mentor who is invested in their students and one who aligns with your values and aspirations. Build relationships with peers, faculty, and patients. These connections will enrich your experience and provide invaluable support. Immerse yourself fully in both medicine and research, fueled by your curiosity and desire to make meaningful contributions to both fields. The path will be challenging and will require hard work and resilience but staying focused on your passion and purpose will guide you through any obstacles you encounter.