Integrated Training in Pharmacological Sciences

Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

The mission of the predoctoral Integrated Training in Pharmacological Sciences Program (ITPSP) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) is to develop highly skilled biomedical scientists who will advance drug discovery through rigorous and ethical research, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches in pharmacology. Although submitted as a new application, this program builds on a 25-year legacy of pioneering quantitative training in pharmacology, emphasizing its importance for all PhD candidates in the biomedical sciences. We intend to appoint trainees to the T32 for two years, typically in their 2nd and 3rd years of PhD training, as they transition from classroom learning to full-time laboratory research. We aim to continue advancing innovative training that prepares students to become tomorrow’s leaders in pharmacology and to address the urgent need for new approaches in drug development. A cornerstone of ITPSP is its newly designed curriculum, which encourages students to harness quantitative methods with basic principles of molecular pharmacology to tackle biological concepts central to disease mechanisms and drug discovery. In our revamped coursework, students apply quantitative approaches through active learning and problem-solving exercises. Foundational biological concepts are taught in a disease context such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders, in order to enhance engagement and translational insight. Student training is further reinforced through activities that emphasize experimental rigor, transparent reporting, and data reproducibility, which are integrated throughout the curriculum, dissertation committee meetings, and trainee evaluations. ITPSP trainees also benefit from a range of complementary activities that enhance the research experience, including journal clubs, Works-in-Progress seminars, and an annual retreat focused on career development, as well as alumni events that provide valuable networking opportunities. Another innovation of our program is its commitment to real-world experiences through internships in the pharmaceutical industry and Mount Sinai’s tech transfer office, among many other related activities. These opportunities, typically conducted during trainees’ 3rd or 4th years, foster industry relationships and broaden professional networks. The program is led by three experienced PIs: Program Director Dr. Avner Schlessinger and Co-Directors Drs. Eric Sobie and Ming-Ming Zhou. Each brings complementary expertise—Dr. Schlessinger in computational chemistry and transporter pharmacology, Dr. Sobie in quantitative systems pharmacology and graduate education, and Dr. Zhou in academic and industry-based drug discovery. ITPSP provides a supportive training environment that implements data-driven practices and thoughtful mentorship strategies to promote trainee well-being, retention, and success. In summary, ITPSP stands at the forefront of innovation, offering an evidence-informed and rigorous research training environment that prepares the next generation of pharmacology leaders to redefine drug development paradigms.