At the recent Experimental Biology meeting in New Orleans, the Career Opportunities in Physiology Committee sponsored a Careers Symposium entitled "Careers Opportunities in Physiology: Taking the Next Step." Four scientists from a variety of sectors-academia, the pharmaceutical industry, private philanthropic foundations, and medical journalism-spoke to an audience of about 150 pre-doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows. They gave an overview of their jobs and responsibilities and also spoke about the personal factors that led them towards these positions. There was much discussion about the major advantages and disadvantages of being a scientist in these various settings. Much of the session was dedicated to one-on-one and small group discussions between the panelists and members of the audience. The program was very well-received. 

The APS Undergraduate Summer Research Fellow program is entering its third year. Last year's awardees attended the New Orleans EB meeting, with several presenting posters on their research from last summer. This year, we received another large number of excellent applications, and a new class of 12 awardees was granted research opportunities for this summer. Many of the fellows are leaning towards a career in research, and it is our hope that the research experience afforded them by this program will stimulate their interest and commitment to this path.

Our new APS Careers Brochure is scheduled to be available this summer. It is a handsome pamphlet that is informative for students between middle school and college, and for the general public. This year, the Committee is focusing on developing an outreach presentation package that APS members can use to speak to school groups and the general public about physiology. The package will consist of one or more PowerPoint presentation files that would incorporate a variety of illustrations and informational slides about career opportunities in physiology and the importance of physiological research. The concept is that these files would contain slides appropriate for different age groups, so that individual APS members could select the items relevant for the specific topic and audience they were addressing. The package will also contain slide templates so that each member can add his or her own illustrations and text to fit the specific group that will be addressed. It is hoped that these will be made available to APS members via the APS web site.

We are also planning to develop the APS Careers web site as a resource for students (from middle school right on through graduate school) and recent graduates from physiology programs who are seeking to learn more about educational programs and career opportunities in the physiological sciences. APS members are encouraged to keep an eye on this page as it develops and to recommend it to their students. 

Francis L. Belloni, Chair

Council Actions

• Council accepted the report of the Career Opportunities in Physiology Committtee.

• Council approved the Careers in Physiology Symposium at EB 2003.

• Council approved the continuation of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program for 2002 and agreed to fund up to 12 fellowships in 2003.

• Council approved funding to obtain the services of a graphic design specialist to develop and effective Careers web site.

• Council approved the funding for a fall Committee meeting in Bethesda, MD.