PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Physician scientists are widely respected as a crucial “bridge” between bench and bedside, conducting rigorous and relevant research to provide their field with novel, evidence-based interventions for improved treatment and outcomes of patients. This intersectional career comes with distinctive challenges and responsibilities. While ripe for collaborations and interdisciplinary projects, the workforce lags in terms of representation of women and minorities compared to the traditional physician training. The American Physician Scientist Association (APSA) is a student led organization, by trainees, for trainees, and strives to be the student physician-scientists' leading voice for improving educational opportunities, advancing patient-oriented research, and advocating for the future of translational medicine. The University of Arizona College of Medicine is honored to host the 2020 APSA West Regional Meeting to promote novel interdisciplinary collaborations, support for underrepresented students in the field of academic medicine, and meaningful discussions on our responsibilities as chimeras in the world of science and medicine. The overarching goal of the 2020 APSA West Regional Meeting is to foster meaningful relationships amongst all stages of future and current physician scientists. These relationships are an essential piece in the successful navigation of the unique path toward a career as a clinical investigator and will contribute to the long-term goal of advancing patient-centered research.