Medical Scientist Training Program

University Of Pittsburgh At Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Enter the text here that is the new abstract information for your application. This section must be no longer than 30 lines of text. Our University of Pittsburgh-Carnegie Mellon University MSTP prepares MD-PhD trainees with the expertise and versatility to have highly productive careers as physician scientists and leaders in an evolving scientific and medical environment. The 94 current students in our bi-institutional MSTP benefit from a world-class research and clinical community and a core group of 158 well-funded mentors in 22 affiliated graduate programs. MSTP trainees have thrived with a 62% F30 success rate and median of six publications per student over the last five years. Unique features of the MSTP include a required core curriculum of seven courses beyond medical and graduate school coursework that build specific research, translational, and professional competencies required for durable success as physician scientists. Training in rigor and reproducibility and responsible conduct of research are integrated throughout the curriculum and research and clinical training experiences. Our faculty are also trained in these areas and engage in case-based workshops to learn and share best-practices in mentoring MSTP trainees. Additional features include one-on-one executive coaching sessions for students as well as each student’s personal career advisor who serves as a guide, and IDP reviewer from matriculation to graduation and beyond. The program intentionally integrates clinical and research training. Objectives include: (1) Imparting transformational knowledge and thinking skills. We build students’ ability to frame testable hypotheses addressing significant research questions that can be linked to clinical knowledge and prepare trainees to plan, conduct, analyze, and publish significant, rigorous high-quality, reproducible research and obtain funding to support it. (2) Expanding trainee’s toolkit. We position trainees to meet evolving challenges in health and disease as well as the demands on the physician scientist workforce, preparing them for critical appraisal and use of new technologies and informatics. (3) Building skills for forging productive partnerships. We train students to develop and refine ideas while becoming leaders who work effectively in teams, communicate and listen well, and share the joy of discovery. In addition to measuring deliverables and career milestones as outcomes, we will test the ability of the program to build student confidence in research self-efficacy and professional self-efficacy. Expert input is engaged for learning assessment and strategic planning to allow our MSTP to remain dynamic and able to adapt to the scientific landscape.