# Medical Scientist Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2020 · $1,170,523

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The Pittsburgh MSTP brings together the synergetic research and clinical strengths of Carnegie
Mellon University of the University of Pittsburgh. Trainees are selected from a national pool of
over 400 applicants with superior academic records. Our program prepares trainees for
careers as physician scientists through rigorous research training, a MSTP-specific curriculum
comprised of 10 courses or rotations including tiered professional development courses, journal
clubs, exposure to interdisciplinary research and ethical training, and events and activities
designed to enhance program identify and exposure to role models. The opportunities to
participate in top-tier research is broad, with 20 affiliated graduate programs and 118
participating faculty. The curriculum integrates PhD and MD training throughout the course of
the program. A subset of students graduate in December and participate in a 5 month MSTP-
supported postdoctoral fellowship prior to residency. A core feature of the program is proactive
mentoring by Career Advisors individually matched with students at the outset of matriculation.
Our IDP process is robust and focuses on development of new skills, identifying resources,
framing goals and strategizing to overcome obstacles. Student performance is followed
through a comprehensive web-based database with tiered access and yearly Promotions
Committee review. Student involvement is integrated into the administrative structure with
extensive logistical support and feedback from student committees. Programmatic oversight
includes a student-faculty curriculum committee, a Steering committee a Strategic Planning
Committee and an External Advisory Board. Average time to completion is 7.7 years. Training
outcomes are very strong, with graduates averaging over 5 publications each, with matches to
premier residencies and success in academic careers. Currently there are 71 students in the
program. Funds are requested to support from 24-28 trainees annually for a period of five years
beginning July 2017. Data are provided to support our belief that we have a proven history of
attracting outstanding trainees and placing them in positions for future career development.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9924604
- **Project number:** 5T32GM008208-32
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** RICHARD A STEINMAN
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,170,523
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1987-07-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9924604

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9924604, Medical Scientist Training Program (5T32GM008208-32). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9924604. Licensed CC0.

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