Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine students to intern with Eli Lilly and Company

INDIANAPOLIS, April 29, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Six students from the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) are the first to be chosen by Eli Lilly and Company to participate in a new internship program for aspiring physicians. The Lilly Medical Student Intern Program, the second phase of its medical student programs, offers opportunities for medical students between their first and second years to work alongside health care professionals in the pharmaceutical industry to gain scientific knowledge and experience in several areas, including preclinical research, clinical trial development, medical affairs, regulatory affairs, bio-ethics and patient safety.

The MU-COM students chosen for the internship are: John Braun, Emma Hegwood, Mira McKary, Kelly Mullen, Kelly Prindle, and Joseph Stephens. McKary is also the recipient of a full-tuition scholarship Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program.

"As a Lilly research scholar, I am eager to gain the abstract applicative medical and pharmaceutical knowledge that will help me enhance my skills as a medical professional," McKary, MU-COM student, said. "I aspire to dedicate my life to serving and healing people, and my ability to do so will improve greatly from being immersed in scientific research."

The internship program is hosted at Eli Lilly and Company's international headquarters in Indianapolis. The osteopathic medical students will also work at other health care facilities, including Elanco and Covance, providing opportunities to interact with executives and summer interns at those companies.

"We see a great synergy in the making, as these students will have the opportunity to obtain unique, real-world experiences in the realm of drug discovery and development and the myriad of regulatory, legal and business aspects of the pharmaceutical industry," said Dr. Bryan Larsen, Ph.D., associate dean for biomedical sciences, MU-COM. "And Marian University will enjoy an unprecedented opportunity to showcase some of its very promising student doctors to the leaders of one of the most revered pharmaceutical companies in the world."

The 10-week internship program with MU-COM students, which will run from May through August, matches interns with projects based on their skills and interests. Experienced, knowledgeable mentors will help students gain hands-on experience and explore diverse career options in healthcare.

"I am looking forward to learning and experiencing cutting edge research techniques and practices from the best in the industry," Braun, MU-COM student, said. "The Eli Lilly internship is providing me the opportunity to help others while satisfying my fascination with, and desire to, participate in bench and clinical research. I also have desires to conduct my own clinical research as a practicing physician, so this is an awesome way for me to learn from the best bench and clinician researchers how to do that whole process."

About Marian University Indianapolis
Marian University (www.marian.edu), founded in Indianapolis in 1937, is the only Catholic liberal arts university in central Indiana. It serves a student body of more than 2,700 through dedication to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. Marian University is one of Indiana's 31 independent colleges and one of 244 Catholic colleges and universities nationwide.

Since 2001, Marian University has been led by President Daniel J. Elsener, whose vision and leadership are transforming the university. In 2013, Marian University opened the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences, home to its College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marian University has amassed 25 national championships in cycling and in 2012 won the NAIA Football Championship.

About Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis recognizes the power of the osteopathic medical philosophy, which treats the root cause of illness, not just symptoms, and promotes a lifetime of wellness. The program emphasizes osteopathic training in all areas of medicine, including primary care, through lifelong learning and scholarly activity delivered by a dynamic academic community.

Indiana's newest medical school welcomed the first class of medical students in August 2013 and combines the strengths of the osteopathic philosophy and Marian University's rich Catholic history, making it one of only five Catholic medical schools, and the only Catholic osteopathic medical school in the nation.

The Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine is a Catholic medical institution built on the inspired vision and values of the Franciscan heritage, and dedicated to preparing osteopathic physicians who are committed to the complete healing of individuals' bodies, minds, and spirits. The institution is committed to serving the people of Indiana and to developing osteopathic physicians through research, service, and teaching.

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SOURCE Marian University