Just got back today from Bethesda after a 2-day mentoring conference hosted by the NINDS, a branch of the NIH dealing with neurological disease and stroke. I had originally signed up for this for the free trip, though I was sure it was going to be boring and a waste of time. Contrary to my expectations, the meeting turned out to be quite informative, with a clear presentation of various career and funding options from the government and academia. It was refreshing to meet clinician-scientists in the neurosciences who have successfully made that connection from bench to bedside (pardon the cliché). We even got a chance to meet other Neuro MD-PhD students and rub elbows with a couple of NIH bigwigs as well. The best part was the fact that we were given a per diem food allowance on top of the free meals, free hotel, and free plane ride, so I actually ended up MAKING money this weekend! I’m glad my tax dollars are finally being put to good use! LOL