Kansas Medical Scientist Training Program

University Of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City KS

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The University of Kansas MD-PhD program in Kansas City, KS, founded in 1995, produced its first dual degree graduates in 2002. Our overarching goal is to recruit, retain, and develop physician-scientists who will become leaders in biomedical research and translational clinical practice. Among our alumni are those with successful careers and leadership in industry, academia, and government. Our success is bolstered by the strong support from the institution and state. Our growing program aims to matriculate ~6-7 students annually from a broad pool of applicants from around the nation. This was achieved in the current funding cycle, increasing our program from 27 students to 45 students within 5 years. Funds are requested to support five trainees in years 1-3 and six trainees in years 4-5 to support the growth of our Institution and Program. Our student body is a dynamic, talented group of research-oriented individuals recruited from schools across the country. Students have training opportunities with faculty in 11 departments/programs and 25 different Centers and Institutes, as well as with affiliated faculty at the nearby Stowers Institute for Medical Research. Our training program follows a traditional (2, 4, 2) training sequence. The first two years include training in an innovative medical curriculum based on active learning and case-based clinical problem solving. This curriculum is supplemented with MD-PhD-specific courses in biostatistics, molecular medicine, and ethics, as well as monthly student research and clinical skills presentations. The average time to dual degree is 8 years. Students have supervised activities with clinical preceptors during PhD training to enhance clinical skills and participate in our student-run free medical clinic and state-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation labs. Other program activities include training in grant writing, the safe and responsible conduct of research, and scientific rigor and data reproducibility. Short-term goals for MSTP-supported trainees mirror those for our other students and include development of clinical, research, and communication skills, publication of research results, submission of predoctoral fellowship proposals, and timely progression to degrees. Long-term goals for training include participation in the biomedical workforce, establishing research programs, and success in obtaining extramural funding.