T32 Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

About This Grant

Abstract There is a recognized need for an increased number of trainees to enter the physician scientist workforce. To address this need, we developed a physician scientist training program that matriculated the first class in 2011 and is now mature with a track record of successful graduation of trainees into research residencies and other training programs that are designed to increase their skills as physician scientists. Seventy percent of our trainees graduate in 7 years. Our mission is to train rigorous, creative, and ethical physician scientists by providing an educational program that integrates MD and PhD training and focuses on examining the scientific basis of medical practice to identify unmet needs and opportunities for improving human health. We have developed a curriculum that has numerous MD-PhD specific courses and has a heavy emphasis on rigor and reproducibility and responsible conduct of research including laboratory safety. We have an extensive series on career opportunities so that trainees are aware of the many professional niches that profit from the expertise of trained physician scientists. Trainees to date have moved into highly competitive residencies including half who have moved into research residencies or physician scientist training pathways (PSTPs). We currently matriculate 4 students each year and hope to increase the size of the program to 6 students a year.