T32GM140935

Integrated Training for Physician-Scientists - Project Summary/Abstract

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) aims to train and prepare future leaders and physician-scientists in clinical medicine and biomedical research. Our program trains diverse students across numerous fields, with a curriculum and training plan that is continuously improved through metrics, critical self-assessment, and student input.

Guiding principles of our program include: (1) a rigor and caliber of both MD and PhD training equivalent to single-degree candidates; (2) continuous mentoring from program leaders, faculty, and peers; and (3) training in translational research for all students. The four program directors are all physician-scientists and each is active in research, graduate training, and clinical activities. The student government works closely with the directors on recruitment, seminars, advising, curriculum, and continuous improvement.

Students begin with the preclinical phase of medical training, along with a 3-semester MSTP-specific Integrated Molecular Medicine (IMM) course series, led by the directors. IMM introduces new trainees to research methodologies, scientific writing, responsible conduct of research (RCR), rigor, reproducibility and transparency (RRT), and implicit bias. Students then proceed through clinical clerkships in the Forward Curriculum before beginning the PhD thesis. PhD mentor selection is made in consultation with program leaders. Oversight of research rigor and PhD mentorship is directly assured by an MSTP director on each thesis committee.

An integrated longitudinal clinical experience spans the PhD years. After defending the PhD thesis, trainees enter the final year of medical training, which includes the Mentored Clinical & Translational Research Elective (CTRE), custom-designed for MSTP trainees. CTRE is a 6-week preceptorship with both clinical and research facets and an additional physician-scientist faculty mentor. The integrated curriculum allows students to complete dual degree training in 7-8 years, with a minimal gap between intense research activities and postgraduate training.

A majority of student theses are in the biological, chemical, population or engineering sciences, yet others select allied programs of study including anthropology, medical history, and clinical investigation, a program integrated with our Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA). Additional activities foster program cohesiveness and encompass continuous training in RCR, RRT, and implicit bias via weekly seminars, our annual retreat and yearly symposium, and regular social gatherings.

A diversity committee, jointly led by students and faculty, directs activities for recruitment and retention of exceptional trainees, including a new summer research program for underrepresented undergraduates, which will be implemented in the grant period.

Relevance: Trainees receive integrated training in clinical medicine and research and are awarded both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. Through an innovative integrated physician-scientist curriculum, the diverse graduates of our program are poised for research-intensive careers that integrate rigorous basic and translational research and clinical care.

University Of Wisconsin System

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES (NIGMS) SUPPORTS BASIC RESEARCH THAT INCREASES OUR UNDERSTANDING OF BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND LAYS THE FOUNDATION FOR ADVANCES IN DISEASE DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION. NIGMS ALSO SUPPORTS RESEARCH IN SPECIFIC CLINICAL AREAS THAT AFFECT MULTIPLE ORGAN SYSTEMS: ANESTHESIOLOGY AND PERI-OPERATIVE PAIN, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ?COMMON TO MULTIPLE DRUGS AND TREATMENTS, AND INJURY, CRITICAL ILLNESS, SEPSIS, AND WOUND HEALING.? NIGMS-FUNDED SCIENTISTS INVESTIGATE HOW LIVING SYSTEMS WORK AT A RANGE OF LEVELSFROM MOLECULES AND CELLS TO TISSUES AND ORGANSIN RESEARCH ORGANISMS, HUMANS, AND POPULATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, TO ENSURE THE VITALITY AND CONTINUED PRODUCTIVITY OF THE RESEARCH ENTERPRISE, NIGMS PROVIDES LEADERSHIP IN SUPPORTING THE TRAINING OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCIENTISTS, ENHANCING THE DIVERSITY OF THE SCIENTIFIC WORKFORCE, AND DEVELOPING RESEARCH CAPACITY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.

93.859 - Biomedical Research and Research Training

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) [HHS - NIH]

Madison, Wisconsin 53715 United States

Single Zip Code

Medical Scientist Training Program (T32) (PAR-19-036)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 3960% from $107,526 to $4,365,834.