What happens when a group of medical students decides to invite one of the most influential figures in clinical research to speak at their university? At Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, the result was an unforgettable encounter—one that affirmed the power of curiosity, courage, and community. 

Professor Eric Rubin, Editor-in-Chief of The New England Journal of Medicine, said: “There’s nothing better than being invited by students. They’re curious, engaged, and using the journal as a learning tool. That’s what we hope to inspire.” 

The event, which combined a keynote, panel, and student dialogue, centered on how NEJM selects, edits, and publishes research that shapes modern medicine. Yet the impact of the visit went far beyond journal processes. For many in the room, the key message was this: You don’t necessarily have to publish in NEJM to be a great doctor. 

“The best thing in medicine isn’t publication—it’s making a difference,” Rubin told students. “If you publish, great. But if you change one patient’s life, that’s great too.” 

A message echoed by Rosario Losiggio, a young San Raffaele MD graduate who had himself published in NEJM and was invited to join the panel. 

“Being on stage with practice-changers in medicine was an honor,” he said. “But what really mattered to me was showing other students that it’s possible—even for someone their age—to be part of global research. What matters most now is staying focused on learning, staying curious. Everything else will follow.” 

Students Leading Science 

The initiative was led by MedTalks, a peer-to-peer UniSR student group founded to explore Research in Medicine and this year decided to focus on exploring original articles from NEJM in a more informal, accessible setting. 

“We wanted to bring groundbreaking research into the classroom,” explained the MedTalks team. “It started with journal clubs, where students had to study real clinical trials and present them. That alone wasn’t easy—but then we thought: why not invite the editor himself?” 

With the support of both faculty and University staff, they did exactly that. For Dr. Giacomo Monti, coordinator of student research activities, the event proves that ambition pays off: 

“It was the kind of ‘crazy idea’ that might not happen… but it did. And seeing students dream big—and succeed—shows the kind of academic culture we’re building here.” 

Rubin’s visit became a formative moment for many young researchers. “His humility was striking,” said one participant. “He’s someone who can influence global medicine—and yet he spoke to us with such openness.” 

An International Research Culture 

UniSR’s support for student-led events like this is part of a broader commitment to global research engagement. From structured programs that ease access to international labs, to administrative support for publishing, presenting, or even organizing scientific events, the university fosters not only academic excellence but scientific confidence. 

As the MedTalks team reflected: 

“We felt like the university believed in us. They invested in our creativity and helped us bring someone like Rubin here—not just for show, but to truly connect.” 

And the result? A room full of future doctors who, instead of feeling intimidated by high-impact journals, left feeling empowered to pursue rigorous, honest, and meaningful science—at any level. 

A conversation, not a lecture 

Rubin’s talk ended with applause, but moreover with a crowd of students surrounding him—asking about research paths, manuscript writing, and how to stay grounded. That response reflected the talk’s true success: it wasn’t just about NEJM’s editorial strategy. It was about demystifying research, humanizing the publishing process, and encouraging young doctors to trust that their work matters—even when it doesn’t make headlines. 

“You went to medical school to become a doctor,” Rubin told them. “The best thing you can do is be the best doctor you can.” 

A message they’ll likely carry with them—not just through their training, but for the rest of their lives.