Medical Scientist Training Program

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PROJECT SUMMARY The University of Iowa Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) has successfully prepared students for careers as physician-scientists since its inception as an NIH-funded MSTP in 1977. The goal of the MSTP is to recruit, nurture, and graduate a diverse pool of well-trained physician-scientists with the technical, operational, and professional skills necessary to transition into successful careers in the biomedical research workforce. This goal is achieved through an integrated curriculum that assimilates scientific and clinical training, constantly emphasizing the intersections between science and medicine. Students complete 1.5 years of pre-clinical medical coursework, 4 to 5 years of graduate training, and approximately 1.5 years of clinical clerkships to fulfill the requirements for both the MD and PhD degrees. We have defined seven specific objectives for our graduating students, which are measured in our evidenced-based evaluation process. Upon completion of the MSTP, graduating students will be able to: 1) Combine the knowledge bases of science and medicine to establish a strong foundation; 2) Integrate critical thinking, reasoning and rigor in the conduct of research; 3) Demonstrate integrity in research and clinical practice; 4) Demonstrate skills in oral and written communication; 5) Recognize the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion; work effectively in a diverse professional environment, demonstrating respect for individual differences; 6) Demonstrate leadership in research and clinical care; and 7) Understand the diversity of career options for physician scientists. The U of Iowa MSTP is led by Co-PIs Steven Lentz, MD, PhD (Director) and Pamela Geyer, PhD (Co-Director) who share a long-standing passion for mentoring and training physician-scientists. The Program incorporates specific coursework and activities throughout the course of study to provide integration and enrichment of the curriculum and foster program identity, professionalism, teamwork, communication, career development skills, and mentorship of students during transitions. The Program has 87 talented and diverse faculty members who provide exciting research training opportunities. Students are extensively involved in MSTP leadership, serving as members on the Executive, Admissions, MSTP Mondays, Seminar, Retreat, Wellness, and Women's Group committees. The Program enjoys strong institutional support from the Deans of the Carver College of Medicine and the Graduate College, who promote the MSTP as a driver for innovation in research, education and service at the university. The U of Iowa MSTP currently has 73 trainees, of which 43% are women and 18% are from groups underrepresented in medicine. The majority of our graduates have gone on to careers at major academic medical centers or research institutions. This application requests support for 18 trainees per year, reflecting the strength and outcomes of our training program.