Integrated Training For Physician-Scientists

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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 Ph.D. thesis. Ph.D. mentor selection is made in consultation with program leaders. Oversight of research rigor and Ph.D. mentorship is directly assured by an MSTP director on each thesis committee. An integrated Longitudinal Clinical Experience spans the Ph.D. years. After defending the Ph.D. 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.