Internal Medicine Clinical Scientist Training Program (CSTP)

The Clinical Scientist Training Program (CSTP) is a Department of Internal Medicine initiative aimed at developing the next generation of clinician-scientists. This program offers structured research training, dedicated mentorship, and protected time to facilitate the advancement of clinically oriented research among internal medicine trainees. CSTP supports aspiring clinical researchers through a short-track residency (2 years of internal medicine) and an integrated clinical and research-oriented fellowship in the subspecialty of choice (5 years). The program leadership works collaboratively with the respective fellowship directors to ensure that ABIM research pathway requirements and ACGME subspecialty requirements are met.

Program Goals

• Develop clinical or population health investigators proficient in research methodologies and academic leadership.
• Promote research that advances patient care and health outcomes.
• Facilitate long-term career success in academic internal medicine.
• Serve as the umbrella structure for innovative training and career development of clinical scientists within the Department of Internal Medicine

Target Audience and Eligibility

CSTP is intended for internal medicine residents with demonstrated interest in research and academic careers. Candidates must exhibit clinical excellence throughout the intern (PGY1) training year and have the endorsement of the internal medicine training program to short track IM training. Candidates much have a proposed research project aligned with departmental priorities. Candidates are recruited from categorical internal medicine residents in the fall of the PGY2 year.

Core Components

• Research Curriculum: Courses and seminars in epidemiology, clinical trials, data analysis, and scientific communication.
• Seminars and Workshops: Monthly journal clubs, career panels, and grant writing sessions.
• Mentorship: Dual-mentor system (research mentor and career mentor).
• Capstone Project: Independent research project with deliverables including abstracts, manuscripts, presentations and a grant application submitted prior to the completion of training.
• Evaluation: Quarterly progress reviews and milestone tracking.

Contact Us

Lisa VanWagner, M.D.

Track Director
Associate Professor, Digestive & Liver Diseases

Shuchi Lakhanpal, MS

Program Coordinator
Physician Scientist Training Program