Integrated Training for Physician-Scientists

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We are requesting continued funding of the Medical Sciences Training Program (MSTP) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison). Core philosophies that have shaped the program are (1) the rigor and caliber of both MD and PhD training should be equivalent to those of single degree candidates; (2) students learn from one another; and (3) graduates, albeit to variable degrees, will be engaged in translational research. Three physician-scientists of the School of Medicine and Public Health, each of whom is active in research, graduate training, and clinical activities, direct the MSTP. A student organization works closely with the directors. Directors are advised by the MSTP Steering Committee, which includes faculty from multiple disciplines and ensures that the MSTP exploits the breadth of training opportunities available to students at UW-Madison. The usual student does the preclinical phase of medical training while becoming acquainted with research methodologies in a four-semester seminar/journal club course and participating in research rotations. Research mentors and graduate programs are chosen in the second year. A clinical bridging curriculum facilitates the transitions between medical and graduate studies. All students are introduced to clinical research. Clinical clerkships are done after completion of the Ph.D. thesis. Although the majority of student theses are in the biological and chemical sciences, a significant number of students are doing research in clinical investigation, on population-based problems, or in engineering. Students produce substantial dissertations that result in important publications. Activities that foster program cohesiveness include the strong student organization, a weekly seminar, yearly retreat, yearly symposium, and regular social gatherings. To have an interactive and dynamic group of students, we are aiming for a class size of ten students for an overall program size of 80 students. Our long-term goal is to train a diverse group of physician-scientists who will have major impact on biomedical research and the practice of medicine and be future academic and research leaders.