A Journey, A Destination: Reflections from Dr. Gianni Parise

Image Source: McMaster University

Biography: Dr. Gianni Parise is a researcher in the Department of Kinesiology, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science, and the Vice President of Research at McMaster University. His health-related research has many different fields, including the effect of various factors on the aging of seniors. The research referenced throughout this article can be found at McKay et al (2015), with his more recent research available at his profile, linked here.

The room was lively, and chattering, and full of students that were likely more worried about their party-filled weekend than anything else. The light from outside filled the space with a cheery optimism, which as a whole seemed to be the theme of the symposium. 

As a student in my years at McMaster, there are few moments in which I could describe a symposium as “cheerful,” but here I was. And it was a message that was crafted deliberately by the team at the Office of Undergraduate Research, who began the event with a rousing speech from Dr. Pat Chow-Fraser, who introduced the OUR as the first program of its type in the country. 

To say the least, hopes were high. And that’s a theme that was cultivated, and nurtured, throughout the entirety of the symposium: Hope. A rare thing, in today's world, but it was difficult not to feel it, as I looked around the room, full of some of the best and brightest minds in the country. 

After a stellar introduction by Dr. Pat Chow-Fraser, Dr. Bruce Newbold, and Dr. Rosa Da Silva: The symposium welcomed its keynote speaker, Dr. Gianni Parise. It was wonderful to see the amount of comradery between the different professors: When attending, one would have the impression of seeing a group of close friends, gathering for a reunion. 

The students were silent, as the speakers described their own academic paths, a theme that would continue with Dr. Parise's speech. 

From an undergraduate in Kinesiology, to finishing his PhD in 2000, to eventually becoming the Dean of Science, to the Vice-President of Research: Dr. Parise had spent a life in academia, and in searching for the answers to life's most profound questions.

Refreshingly, his advice was less about the standard how-to-guide for research, and was instead reflective on research as a journey of learning.

"Keep your options open," said the professor, throughout the speech: "and give yourself options to discover your interests." 

Throughout the presentation, he reflected on his own growth throughout the years, and offered practical advice to students hoping to follow in his footsteps. 

“None of this was planned,” Dr. Parise emphasised, throughout the presentation. One of the themes in his presentation took a more philosophical bent: That of finding your own path, and of continuously growing. This is especially important, considering that his own research (McKay et al., 2015) has been directly related to growth: Albeit, on muscle stem cells.

Listening to the presentation, I had the impression of a scholar whose research was directly connected to his philosophy. Throughout his life, Dr. Gianni Parise has worked with stem cells, with muscle physiology, and most recently with the elderly. He is a member of the MIRA (McMaster Institute for Research on Aging), a McMaster association of professors, which investigates interdisciplinary health aspects of seniors.

For one example, he has investigated the impact of muscle deterioration on aging: A problem which he titled “The Profound Problem of Aging Muscle.” A potential cause? Myostatin, which can inhibit muscle growth, and which is overactive in muscles from older adults, even after resistance exercise 

A chilling reminder of the importance of remembering the humanity of patients, as we do at the MUSE, was when he described the various difficulties that arise after the death of muscle mass: Everyday tasks can become physical challenges, and can even lead to further health complications down the line. 

One suggested method from the audience was steroids (or another method to inhibit myostatin), which Dr. Parise responded to by mentioning the side effects, and the challenges that can occur. Instead, he suggested exercise, and various other proven ways to reduce the amount of muscle deterioration in the body.

At this moment, I realized: His approach to life directly parallels the type of research he undergoes. 

Like the health benefits post-exercise: The best way to prevent stagnation is to, quite simply, keep moving.

Notably, I suggested this metaphor of myostatin, only half-serious, near the end, which Dr. Parise responded with more gracefulness than was probably deserved. 

His advice for students? “Keep your options open: Closing doors will only limit your future:” An especially prevalent piece of advice for any students hoping to study medicine.

It’s very often that pre-medicine, and other students involved in health sciences, can be focused on one specific goal: This can lead to missed opportunities, Dr. Parise emphasizes.

When it was time for student questions, many of them asked about medicine, especially as a career. "Do you regret it? Do you have any advice for undergraduate students?" 

Drawing on his own experience: He mentioned, not without humour, that medicine tends to be glorified in television shows, media, and from peer opinions. Dr. Parise continued to emphasize that students find their own path, and re-affirmed that he loves the work he does, and has no regrets about choosing such a meaningful path in research. 

“Do what you love, not what you think you should be doing.” he concluded. 

As the keynote speech drew to a close, and the other events of the symposium began: I looked around the room, and could see the palpable hope on the other students' faces. 

We could see, in the future, a pathway that is similar, that hopes to answer these questions with dignity, and a lifelong commitment to learning. 

It's a philosophy of life that, above all, is about hope: And it's a hope that extends to beyond the speech, and into the world beyond. 

Works cited:

McKay BR, Parise G. Aging of Muscle Stem Cells. Stem Cell Aging: Mechanisms, Consequences, Rejuvenation. 2015;195–226.

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