Today’s medical training focuses on evidence-based medicine to guide clinical decision-making. While this approach works well for common diseases—where plenty of data and research can guide treatment—it often falls short when caring for patients with rare genetic diseases.
The UAB Precision Medicine Institute’s SUmmer in PREcision MEdicine (SUPREME) program aims to close this gap. Since its launch as a medical education initiative funded by the HSF General Endowment Fund, SUPREME has grown into a key program within the Institute. This immersive eight-week program, coordinated by PMI’s medical director Madeline Eckenrode, M.D., and program manager Aleksandra Foksinska, offers medical students hands-on experience with rare disease cases, helping to prepare the next generation of clinicians to navigate the uncertainties of rare genetic diseases.
During the eight-week program, students learn and apply precision medicine methodology by working on rare genetic disease cases where no treatments currently exist. They collaborate with PMI’s research and clinical teams to understand how precision medicine principles can guide the development of novel therapeutic approaches, from initial genetic analysis through personalized treatment design.
The program integrates components of both clinical and translational science, combining clinical genetic practices with bioinformatics, preclinical studies using patient-specific animal models, and artificial intelligence tools to enhance patient care.
Students work closely with leading faculty from across UAB’s clinical, research, and data science communities, gaining firsthand insight into how experts tackle the complexities of rare genetic disease care from multiple angles.
Meet the future of precision medicine: SUPREME students share their journeys
Get to know the most recent cohort of SUPREME students.
Lexi Witherspoon is a second-year medical student whose understanding of rare diseases expanded after joining SUPREME. Her experience within the program has contributed to her future goals by revealing how different perspectives can be embedded in shaping patient care and advancing research.
“I have learned that competent care for these patients extends beyond the clinical space; it also requires connecting families to social and community resources that can help them feel less isolated in their journeys.”
“Seeing how these varied contributions come together to create more comprehensive care has affirmed my own goal as a future physician: to not only provide excellent medical care but also to ensure that patients and families are supported holistically through both medical and social resources.”
Jessica Brouillette is a second-year medical student whose motivation to apply to the program stemmed from her previous experience working with children with disabilities.
“The SUPREME Program allowed me to forge a deep connection with families while learning about genetic tools to improve their quality of life! I have gained countless new tools from this program that I will carry into my second year of medical school and beyond as I continue impacting families in my professional life."
Manas Gangasani is a second-year medical student who joined SUPREME after finding interest in genetic testing, mutations and illnesses during his first semester of medical school.
“Discovering how these concepts were being applied in a clinical setting led me to UAB’s Precision Medicine Institute, where the team applies this science to individualized medical care.”
“My main goal in joining the SUPREME program was to gain proficiency in precision medicine and genetics, so I can serve as a multifaceted physician for my future patients. After working with the team for eight weeks, that goal has only been strengthened, and my experience has solidified my belief that precision medicine will be the future of medical care.”
Nadia Pardo, now a fourth-year medical student, was SUPREME’s very first student. During her time in the program, Pardo focused her research on SCNA2—a gene linked to certain neurological disorders like autism and epilepsy— looking for potential drug repurposing candidates.
“As a primary care track student, I was drawn to the SUPREME program because PMI’s free virtual consultations expand access to care regardless of patients’ socioeconomic status or geographic location. These values align with our curriculum by promoting healthcare equity and centering the needs of the families we serve.”
Pardo has remained involved with SUPREME beyond her initial summer, exemplifying how the program fosters long-term commitment to precision medicine and patient-centered care. Now wrapping up its third year, SUPREME continues to shape the next generation of clinicians.
Learn more
To learn more about SUPREME and to apply, visit the Medical Student Summer Research Pathways website.
Students from the most recent SUPREME cohort will also present their research at the upcoming UAB Heersink School of Medicine Dale J. Benos Medical Student Research Day in September.