Medical Scientist Training Program - The Ohio State University

PROJECT ABSTRACT In order to advance science and discover cures for the myriad of human diseases, a workforce comprised of diverse and academically strong physician-scientists trained in hypothesis-driven research, rigorous and data- intensive methods, and evidence-based clinical practice is crucial. This cohort of trainees must have specialized

and focused training that integrates rigorous scientific education with state-of-the-art medical training. The overall goal of The Ohio State University (OSU) Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is to provide MD-PhD students with the rigor, depth, and breadth of both scientific and medical education in a way that melds both sets

of training to prepare them to be the future leaders of the biomedical workforce. The expectation is that graduates of our program will become faculty members at academic, public, or private research enterprises and spend most of their time conducting research relevant to the improvement of human health. Our program provides the

programmatic structure, curricular content, scientific and clinical guidance, mentoring, facilities, and stimulating environment to catalyze the integration of research and clinical training essential for a student to become a successful physician-scientist. We focus on imparting an understanding of the best practices in clinical skills and

research that lead to high clinical acumen, outstanding science that is both rigorous and reproducible, and the responsible and safe conduct of research and clinical practice. OSU MSTP students will receive a unique blend of competency-based training from the College of Medicine, the Graduate School, and specific graduate programs

that will synergize to increase the trainees’ ability to translate between the scientific and clinical worlds. As part of our program, MSTP trainees will receive instruction in technical skills, grant writing, and written and oral communication that will position them for success in the rapidly advancing academic research field. In addition to

technical training, students in our program receive extensive mentorship throughout their journey from a cohort of faculty that have received training and embrace this important role. In prior funding periods, students have earned their degrees in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BGSP), Neuroscience Graduate Studies Program

(NGSP), or Biomedical Engineering (BME). We now have students receiving PhD training in Public Health (PH) and anticipate future PhDs across the University in carefully vetted affiliate programs. Because of our curricular integration and careful oversight by MSTP Leadership, the large majority of our students complete their studies

in 8-years. Although our program has doubled in size in the past 10-years, continued growth of our applicant pool and our faculty makes continued expansion appropriate, and we plan to increase our class from 10 students per year to 12. In accordance with NIGMS guidelines, we also request an increase in funding to support 25% of

the students in the program. Our goal for this MSTP is to continue to recruit and train the best and brightest students, developing future leaders who will enable the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center to continue towards its stated mission: To improve people’s lives through innovation in research, education and patient care.