Medical Scientist Training Program

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Emory Medical Scientist Training Program leverages our institution’s comprehensive academic programs and diverse clinical training sites to create unique, interdisciplinary training opportunities that culminate in the award of the dual MD/PhD degree. Under the Director’s lead, Co-Directors focus on clinical and research phases of training. Significant clinical exposure precedes graduate training to (a) ensure alignment of clinical and research objectives and (b) facilitate the transition to research-intensive residencies and lifelong careers as physician scientist. Training begins with thirty months of medical training (12 months of which consist of required clinical rotations), during which students also participate in a journal club, advising activities and research rotations that culminate in selecting a PhD advisor and program. During the PhD years, the MD/PhD Program tracks milestones (preliminary exams, formation of dissertation committee, completion of training in research ethics and reproducibility of research; publication requirements; re-entry timeline) to ensure consistent, rigorous training across all PhD paths. The MD/PhD Program also incorporates mentor-mentee check-ins several times a year to ensure supportive training environments and interventions as needed to ensure timely progress to degree. Protected time for longitudinal clinical experiences clinical continuity during the PhD; a smooth post-PhD transition to the final year of clinical training is managed through Re-Entry Course. Emory University’s collaborative ethos is reflected in our program’s academic and administrative structures. The MD/PhD Program is sited within the School of Medicine Office of Medical Education and Student Affairs suite for prompt access to our Registrar, Financial Aid and wellness/support offices such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Our monthly Clinical Research Conference offers opportunities for presentations and professional development activities. Our Laney Graduate School partnership ensures smooth transitions between the medical and graduate phases and affords training in the Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, the Biomedical Engineering Program (joint program Department of Biomedical Engineering of Georgia Tech and Emory), in any of the doctoral programs in the Rollins School of Public Health, or in graduate programs of Emory College (e.g., Anthropology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology). An Executive Committee (which includes partners from our participating schools and programs as well as student leadership representatives) provides oversight. Our Admissions Committee (which includes student representatives) embraces holistic application review. Our annual two-day Retreat provides an opportunity for socializing and reflection on program goals and future directions A grant-writing course taught by one of our program Co- Directors helps trainees prepare NRSA and other fellowship applications. Our students partner with program faculty and staff to spearhead new initiatives, participate in recruitment activities, curriculum development, and program evaluation, all of which leads to program cohesion and physician scientist leadership development.