M.D. Scientist Training Program
The M.D. Scientist Training Program (MDSTP) is a campus-wide program that provides young physicians with specialized options for post-graduate scientific training at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The MDSTP provides individuals with highly individualized mentorship, the opportunity to train in the research groups of one of our internationally renowned faculty, and 80% salary/fringe support for two years of research training.
MDSTP Eligibility
The M.D. Scientist Training Program is designed for individuals who hold an M.D. or DO degree and who are enrolled in a post-graduate clinical training program at UT Southwestern.
If an individual is selected for the M.D. Scientist Training Program during the early portion of his/her residency program, the Department Chair and Residency Program Director will decide whether allowable clinical training changes, such as fast tracking, are appropriate.
Why Apply?
- Protected research time – focus on discovery without competing clinical demands
- Substantial salary support – ~80% salary/fringe funded by MDSTP and remaining 20% funded by trainee’s clinical department
- Flexible research scope – basic, translational, clinical, clinical trials, and more
- Career shaping mentorship – designed to launch long term investigative careers
Research Areas
The program will fund research training in all applicable area, from basic, translational, and clinical research.
MDSTP Selection
Applications for M.D. Scientist Training Program support will evaluated by members of the Program Selection Committee. In order to be accepted into the MDSTP, the individual must be accepted by the appropriate clinical training program. Individuals selected for the MDSTP are expected to have completed or to concurrently complete the training requirements for board certification in their respective clinical disciplines.
MDSTP Timeline
Candidates may formally apply to the MDSTP at any time following their acceptance to a post-graduate clinical training program at UT Southwestern. In most instances, individuals who have already begun research training during residency or fellowship are not eligible.
The application and all supporting documentation must be complete and submitted for consideration no later than March 15, for potential enrollment into MDSTP by July 1.
Application Requirements
All high quality, meritorious proposals will be considered.
- Completed application form
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement (1 page) describing:
- Motivation for science training
- Research interests (current or exploratory)
- Commitment to 2 years of research
- Long term career goals as a physician scientist
- Research Plan from trainee (2 pages) addressing:
- Significance
- Innovation
- Background
- Approach
- Research Mentor’s letter addressing:
- Previous mentorship experience
- Career development of trainee
- Research Mentor’s biosketch:
- Department Chair’s/Chief’s letter (1 page) confirming:
- 80% protected research time
- 20% salary support for trainee
- Any additional departmental supplementation
- Program Director’s letter (1 page) addressing:
- Academic potential and scholarly commitment
- Total length of previous training
- Defined clinical responsibilities during trainee’s research time
- Department Chair’s/Chief’s letter (1 page) confirming:
All information should be sent to: OfficeofPhysicianScientistDevelopment@UTSouthwestern.edu
For additional information, please visit our FAQ page.