Internal Medicine Clinical Scientist Training Program (CSTP)

The Clinical Scientist Training Program (CSTP), a research-focused track within the Internal Medicine Residency, combines rigorous training in clinical internal medicine and subspecialties with comprehensive training in clinical research. Modeled after the Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP), the CSTP is designed to develop the next generation of clinical investigators at UT Southwestern.

The program follows a streamlined pathway: A short-track residency (typically two years), followed by an integrated clinical and research subspecialty fellowship lasting four to six years, depending on subspecialty requirements. Trainees receive protected research time to pursue independent projects under the mentorship of experienced faculty, along with structured educational opportunities such as lecture series and formal coursework tailored to clinical research careers.

CSTP prepares clinician-scientists to advance medical knowledge through studies involving human subjects. Scholars may engage in interventional (for example, clinical trials), observational, epidemiologic, behavioral, health services and outcomes, data science, or translational research across Internal Medicine disciplines.

The program emphasizes mentorship, grant and manuscript writing, and career development, reflecting the Department’s commitment to building a strong and sustainable clinical research workforce. Trainees benefit from UT Southwestern’s rich research environment, diverse patient population, and collaborative academic culture.

Contact Us

Lisa VanWagner, M.D.

Track Director
Associate Professor, Digestive & Liver Diseases

Shuchi Lakhanpal, MS

Program Coordinator
Physician Scientist Training Program