The May 2025 Visiting Scholars Program
- The Norris Lab
- May 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 9
When it comes to complex diseases, patients often are the true experts. The lived patient experience leads to important clinical and biological questions. When that is paired with scientific tools to answer them, patients can make a significant impact on the entire community.
The Norris Lab employs a patient-science model of research. We move to address the historical challenges faced by chronically ill and disabled patients by engaging them fully as collaborative partners and integrating their perspectives into the research process. Our goal is to build a community of physicians, scientists, and healthcare professionals who truly understand this disease. Who better to lead that effort than patients living with it? By doing so, we can change the perception of EDS and HSD, foster new research discoveries, and advance clinical care. This is why we created multiple patient-science initiatives, including the Visiting Scholars Program, a short-term immersive research experience offered year-round.
Over three days at MUSC, participants engage with our research, shadow scientists and physicians, connect with EDS patients, and learn from experts. This brief but immersive experience enables scholars to participate in ongoing research and form meaningful connections, all while accommodating their health and academic needs.
REFLECTING ON OUR MAY VISITING SCHOLARS PROGRAM
ADVOCACY & AWARENESS DISCUSSIONS
SCHOLARS' GOALS & TAKEAWAYS
Our educational initiatives, like the Visiting Scholars Program, aim to make a lasting impact for generations of patients to come, while also providing an inclusive environment that enables students with disabilities to have an equal opportunity to thrive. We could not have asked for a better student cohort, and we cannot wait to see what the future has in store for these bright, young patient-scientists.
Interested in becoming a future Visiting Scholar?
-The Norris Lab
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