Emily Schulman-Geltzer first learned of the MD/PhD path as a college sophomore in Knoxville, Tennessee. While pursuing an engineering degree, she found herself drawn to research and intrigued by the idea of combining scientific research with medical technology to address gaps in clinical care.The program offered a way to merge her passion for problem-solving and innovation with her lifelong dream of becoming a physician. 

After a pandemic-related pause from research, Emily returned with renewed energy. In 2021, she joined the Collins Lab, where she worked alongside Helen Collins, assistant professor in the Division of Environmental Medicine, for more than three years as a full-time researcher. Their work focused on exploring the basic metabolic changes that occur in normal pregnancy and applying those findings in various disease models.  

“Dr. Collins and I were the ‘dream team’ for years,” Emily said. “In a smaller laboratory setting, I learned newtechniques, helped manage the lab, set up her new space, mentored rotating members and more. I had the opportunity to be her right-hand woman in running a lab and conducting studies. That experience strengthened my commitment to pursuing an MD/PhD and gave me both the confidence and foundation to succeed.” 

Emily’s undergraduate background in engineering fostered a curiosity for device design and biomedical applications, and she intends to bring this same spirit of innovation to her PhD studies. On the medical side, she has been captivated by human anatomy this semester and looks forward todeepening her understanding of disease and patient care.  

“Our physician-scientist program was designed for students just like Emily, who want to combine their love for medicine with their passion for solving complex issues through innovation,” explained Kenneth Palmer, associate dean of research and co-director of the MD/PhD program. “The program capitalizes on the explosive growth of the high-quality research that is being conducted at the University of Louisville, providing an exceptional training environment for students interested in following this rigorous path. We are proud to support our extremely bright physician-scientist students along the way.” 

One statistic from the National Center for Biotechnology Information especially motivates her: at least two-thirds of patients born with cleft palates undergo additional palatal repairs later in life. For Emily, this highlights the urgent need for medical innovation to reduce adverse outcomes and improve quality of life.  

“Advocacy grounded in compassion will be the cornerstone and driving force of my medical career, guiding me to promote equity, improve patient outcomes and inspire systemic change,” said Emily.“I dream of the day when I can use my research and technological advancements to help establish new standards of practice, recognizing my patients’ needs firsthand and addressing them directly in the laboratory for the benefit of all.” 

From her early engineering studies to her years as a full-time researcher, Emily has built a career foundation on curiosity, persistence and innovation. Now, as an MD/PhD candidate, she is readyto transform that drive into real-world impact.