by Lizabeth Teshler

Graphic design by Anne McGrath

Dr. Michelle Dubinsky’s interest in scientific research was sparked by her involvement in a research based laboratory course during her BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at McMaster University. Dr. Dubinsky further contributed to multiple research projects during her undergrad. Subsequently, she pursued a MSc in Biochemistry at Western University, studying proteins involved in cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. More specifically, she studied a protein called Pin1–a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase. This protein was found to be up-regulated in cancer and down-regulated in Alzheimer’s disease. During her MSc, Dr. Dubinsky also had the opportunity to be a teaching assistant for a third year biochemistry course where many accessible databases and biophysical techniques were used to assist with student learning. 

Pursuing a PhD in the field of molecular biology and epigenetics was always part of Dr. Dubinsky’s academic ambitions, and she was especially excited to join the IMS community. Consequently, she started her research at the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science at St. Michael’s Hospital under the supervision of Dr. Philip Marsden. During this time, Dr. Dubinsky investigated how blood flow patterns affect gene expression through cardiovascular epigenetics. This was done using the aorta as a model to observe different blood flow patterns and their effects on flow-responsive genes. The main focus of the project was exploring a cis-DNA element, termed the Shear Stress Responsive Element (SSRE), located in the promoter of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (eNOS) and determining the nucleo-protein complex that formed on this small piece of DNA. Additionally, she helped to uncover that this element was necessary for eNOS transcription and expression in vitro and in vivo, as a mutation in the sequence caused the gene to be methylated and turned off.

Throughout her doctoral studies, Dr. Dubinsky always challenged herself, both within and outside of her research. She actively took on and led initiatives where she could give back to the IMS student community through teaching and mentorship. Dr. Dubinsky contributed to the growth of the IMS Peer-to-Peer Mentorship program (P2P), which connects incoming IMS graduate students with upper year mentors. She also ran the IMS Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) after having held various roles such as poster judge, seminar facilitator, research day master of ceremonies and virtual research day event organizer. Dr. Dubinsky strongly encourages anyone to get involved in extracurricular activities, and is thankful for these opportunities which contributed to both her personal and professional development and helped her decide on a career path in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Dr. Michelle Dubinsky, PhD; Medical Science Liaison, Boehringer Ingelheim

Furthermore, Dr. Dubinsky combined her love of mentorship and medical affairs in her role as a team lead for the Life Sciences Career Development Syndicate Mentorship program (LSCDS). Dr. Dubinsky recruited 63 mentors, organized workshops, and successfully bridged the gap between industry professionals and graduate students. She also gained industry experience by contributing to the project as part of the Industry Team Case Study (ITCS). The case study allowed Michelle to collaborate with pharmaceutical partners and contribute to a meaningful medical affairs project with real world applications. Her group conducted a gap analysis of the Alopecia Areata medical landscape and the available therapeutics undergoing clinical trials. Excitingly, her peers from this experience have gone on to make meaningful impacts in their chosen fields–consulting and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Dubinsky has led many other community initiatives during her time in the IMS. She was a planning committee member for the Ori Rotstein Lecture, taught lectures, and pioneered a new Senior Advisor role on the St. Michael’s Hospital Research Student Association. Throughout graduate school, Dr. Dubinsky also enjoyed teaching dance and presenting at various international conferences. 

Currently, Dr. Dubinsky is a Cardiometabolism Medical Science Liaison (MSL) at Boehringer Ingelheim. Through this role, she has room to combine scientific curiosity, patient impact, as well as teaching and networking with healthcare professionals. This role allows her to engage in scientific exchange meetings, meet with physicians to discuss new data and answer any questions, and learn about new trials and therapies. 

Dr. Dubinsky believes that her extensive mentorship, teaching and scientific experiences during graduate school at the IMS allowed her to succeed in her current role. Dr. Dubinsky summarizes her best advice for graduate students in three tips: 

1. Know yourself and be introspective–take time to think about your likes and dislikes in a safe space

2. Network and scope out what roles exist–try new things and explore opportunities. It is much easier to cross something off your list of next steps.

3. Find mentors and sponsors–these can be formal (through mentorship programs) and informal (senior labmates).Think of people around you who would say your name in a room of possibilities and keep in touch with them. 

More specific to the MSL role, Dr. Dubinsky believes that planning her degree timelines, gaining industry experience, therapeutic area knowledge, and networking helped her obtain her job even prior to defending her PhD. It is also important to research and know the differences between pharmaceutical companies with MSL roles as these may vary.

Dr. Dubinsky recommends not only making new relationships through reaching out personally, but “keeping your network warm” through consistent check-ins. She also highlights that thinking about your current peers is important as these individuals may be your future colleagues. She further notes that throughout the interview process it is important to showcase that you have been “doing the MSL role before they have given you the job”. This means highlighting the specific skills they are looking for through your previous experiences. 

Dr. Michelle Dubinsky is extremely passionate about her work as an MSL, and she sees many parallels between her PhD involvements and current role. Her love for educating students evolved towards having meaningful conversations with physicians and specialists. Dr. Dubinsky greatly appreciates this aspect of her role, and sees this as a great opportunity for positive healthcare impact. Dr. Dubinsky is able to relay new information on trials and new data to healthcare professionals, and to learn about their care practices and challenges. She also enjoys networking and bringing back new scientific knowledge from various conferences she attends.

Dr. Dubinsky’s academic journey teaches us that no matter what career path we pursue, openness to community involvement during grad school is extremely valuable in shaping who we become and what career ambitions we go after. By following Dr. Dubinsky’s three tips and career insights, we are all equipped to turn our sparks of potential into flames of achievement.