Medical Scientist Training Program

Enter the text here that is the new abstract information for your application. This section must be no longer than 30 lines of text. The mission of the proposed Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) is to develop future physician scientists who will be leaders in the biomedical workforce through completion of a rigorous, integrated MD and PhD training program carried out in the dynamic Texas Medical Center (TMC). The BCM MSTP has a strong track record of success in student productivity, career placement, and developing leaders in the biomedical workforce. Building on this foundation, this renewal application incorporates an innovative medical curriculum and improved integration of clinical and research training focused on development of trainees’ transferrable skills and preparation for dual degree career pathways. The program leadership includes five physician-scientists who lead active research laboratories, practice in a range of clinical settings, and are committed to advising and training MSTP students. Located in the TMC, the world’s largest medical center, the BCM MSTP offers outstanding research facilities and clinical training sites serving the populous greater Houston metropolitan area. Students pursue graduate biomedical research training by selecting from among seven graduate programs at BCM or the Rice University Bioengineering program. The proposed BCM MSTP program objectives include: (1) Recruit highly motivated applicants from across the country committed to a career as a physician scientist; (2) Foster a supportive, safe, and healthy learning environment that enhances student retention from matriculation through completion of dual degree training by providing resources to promote wellness, academic success, team-based skills, and a strong MSTP student community; (3) Ensure that students will complete the dual degree in an average of 8 years with meritorious research and medical accomplishments that will propel them to successful careers in the biomedical workforce; and (4) Train outstanding MD/PhD graduates who will lead as independently funded investigators in academic medicine or in other areas of biomedical research. Our competency-driven MSTP trainee-focused objectives include to: (1) Develop a track record of early success via completion of significant, reproducible, and responsible doctoral thesis research published in high quality journals; (2) Become proficient communicators of biomedical science in oral and written formats; (3) Cultivate personal growth strategies to promote resilience and commitment to lifelong learning; and (4) Develop career plans and utilize dual degree training to work as physician scientists in a variety of biomedical research contexts including academia, government, and industry.