2025 APSA South Regional Conference Meeting the Needs: Fostering a Future with Diverse Physician Scientists

Baylor College Of Medicine, Houston TX

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT Since the 1950s, integrated dual-degree MD/PhD training programs have enabled individuals with a passion for both science and medicine to pursue unique and impactful careers as physician scientists. These training programs empower individuals to play pivotal roles translating cutting-edge research into clinical applications that improve patient care by honing scientific rigor and transferrable skills and preparing students to become leaders in the biomedical research workforce. However, the number of physician scientist trainees has remained stagnant for more than a decade, challenging the objective to recruit and retain a large and diverse population of biomedical research leaders capable of addressing the nation’s evolving health care needs. Collaborative efforts by the National Institutes of Health, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the National Association of MD-PhD Programs strive to increase support and foster the needs of aspiring physician scientists. More recently, the American Physician Scientists Association (APSA), a student-led national organization “by trainees, for trainees” has committed to addressing these obstacles by providing career development opportunities and serving as a voice for students of dual-degree training programs at all levels. To cultivate regional communities of physician scientist trainees, APSA empowers students in MD/PhD programs to organize and host regional meetings across the United States, spanning five regions: West, South, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. The 2025 APSA South Regional Conference, hosted by the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) Medical Scientist Training Program, aims to inspire and support early-career trainees from diverse backgrounds as they embark on the physician scientist career pathway. This one-day conference will feature scientific and career development sessions led by established physician scientists, panel discussions featuring regional academic leaders, oral and poster presentations by current MD/PhD trainees, and interactive educational workshops tailored to meet the specific needs of students at various stages of training. Focused outreach efforts will engage students from diverse backgrounds including those underrepresented in medicine and students with disabilities. By providing a platform for inter-institutional collaboration, longitudinal mentorship, and career development, the 2025 APSA South Region Conference will cultivate an inclusive community of physician scientists with an emphasis on the importance of diversity in the biomedical workforce.