More Than Research: The Impact of an STSM
- Marie Frank
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
What can an STSM bring to a young clinician beyond the research experience itself?
For Dr Sofia Azevedo, who joined the JIR STSM programme in Lausanne in 2023 as a resident in adult rheumatology from Portugal, the answer goes far beyond research.
During her STSM, Sofia had the opportunity to work within an international community of clinicians and researchers, gain new perspectives on clinical practice, develop her research skills and build relationships that have continued long after her stay in Lausanne.
“The network in this sense meant a lot for me. I was able to challenge myself, learn from the best, and be part of something big.”
Changing the way we think about research
One of the most important impacts of the experience was a change in Sofia’s approach to research.
Before her STSM, she describes research as something that could sometimes feel like an obligation — something young doctors were expected to do, often with the pressure to publish. The experience in Lausanne made her step back and ask a more fundamental question: What are we actually trying to achieve with research?
The answer became clear: research should ultimately contribute to better care for patients.
Today, Sofia says she is much more conscious of the questions behind a research project, its purpose and what she really wants to learn from it.
Learning through international exchange
The STSM also changed the way Sofia approaches clinical practice.
Coming from Portugal, she was able to discover different perspectives on rare and autoinflammatory diseases by working alongside colleagues from other countries. Seeing how healthcare systems and treatment possibilities differ from one country to another also gave her a broader perspective on patient care.
For Sofia, this international exchange was one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
“You are kind of uncomfortable, but at the same time you need to find comfort and learn from other people.”
Bringing knowledge home
The experience did not end when Sofia returned to Portugal.
She was invited to present what she had learned during her STSM to her colleagues. This opened the door to new discussions and collaborations, with colleagues reaching out to her when they encountered research questions or wanted to know how similar questions had been approached elsewhere.
For Sofia, this is an important part of the STSM philosophy: the knowledge gained through an international experience should also be shared with the community back home.
What makes the JIR STSM programme different?
When asked what makes the JIR STSM experience unique, Sofia highlights the combination of several elements.
Grantees can work with robust clinical data while receiving dedicated mentorship. They can connect research with its clinical application, experience another hospital environment and, at the same time, become part of an international network of colleagues working in paediatric rheumatology.
It is this combination that makes the experience particularly valuable.
“You can't find anywhere else a place where you can combine the possibility to do research with a lot of data and very robust data, mentorship, clinical utility and the opportunity of joining a lot of people from different countries at the same place.”
And perhaps one of the strongest signs of the programme’s impact is what happens afterwards: people want to stay involved and come back.
Sofia’s story illustrates that an STSM is not simply a research visit. It is an opportunity to learn, exchange, build lasting relationships and bring new perspectives back to your own clinical and research community.
Interested in an STSM?
Discover the JIR STSM programme and find out more about upcoming opportunities to join this international exchange programme.
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