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MSTP students in the Sahoo lab
Medical Scientist Training Program

MCW Medical Scientist Training Program Activities

MSTP Program Information

MCW-MSTP provides an integrated training experience that allows our trainees to address mechanistic-based scientific questions and develop the fundamental skills of a scientist. We encourage our students to define their passion in research and not to be hesitant to address the big questions in medicine.

We have active mentoring throughout your training to enhance your professional development, identify your PhD mentor, transition between graduate and medical schools, and selecting a residency program.

At MCW, the average length of time to complete the dual degree is 7.8 years.

MSTP Career Development Tools

MCW-MSTP provides you with many tools that you can use during your career as a successful physician-scientist.

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IDP and 1:1 Meeting with Program Director

Students complete an annual individual development plan and meet one-on-one with the Program Director to discuss their progress specific to their stage in the program and address any difficulties or concerns. The Program Director and Program Leadership are available for additional meetings as needed or requested by the students.

Professional Development Courses and Workshops

Utilizing MSTP specific small group courses and workshops, our trainees develop scientific, writing and communications skills, and preparation for their MD/PhD career in team-based, active learning sessions.

  • Mechanisms of Human Disease Course
  • NIH F30 Fellowship GS Course
  • Clerkship Boot Camp Workshop
  • Dissertation and Manuscript Writing Workshop
  • Methods for Enhancing Reproducibility Workshop
  • Morning Report Workshop
  • Presentation Workshop
  • Residency Selection Workshop
Responsible Conduct in Research Refresher

Students complete four hours of refresher Responsible Conduct in Research training. Each session follows a topic and guidelines recommended by the NIH-Office of Research Integrity.

Research in Progress (RIP)

Two MSTP graduate students present current progress and challenges related to their thesis research project to other MSTP students, MSTP directors and faculty advisors. These meetings provide attendees an opportunity to learn about the extensive variety of research MSTP trainees are doing both on and off campus and provide feedback.

Retreat

The retreat is a time for vertical integration amongst our trainees, discussing relevant MSTP topics and faculty/student interaction.

View the 2023 retreat program (PDF)

Student Council

The student council is composed of a student representative from each class and meets monthly with the MSTP director. The student council also organizes the annual retreat jointly with MSTP leadership.

Mentoring and Advocacy for Physician Scientists (MAPS)

Student run committee, facilitated by MSTP leadership.

MAPS mission is “To create a fair learning environment for all communities. We aim to recognize the resilience, passions, and capabilities bestowed onto individuals of varied backgrounds. Our hope is to nurture a coalition for fostering mentorship, advocacy, and building community in the physician-scientist pipeline and STEM fields. Ultimately, we strive to lay the foundation for a fair educational system for all people."

Visiting Alumni and Faculty

MSTP trainees are exposed to physician-scientists that do state-of-the-art clinical and basic research in all medical subspecialties. Lunch discussions allow our trainees to obtain a unique perspective on how physician-scientists balance patient care with research and integrate the two into a satisfying career.

Learn more

MSTP Women in Science and Medicine

MSTP women have the opportunity to meet with on-campus female faculty involved in science and/or clinical endeavors.

Learn more

MCW combines advanced patient care and research opportunities with accessible faculty and an authentic community feel. The MSTP exemplifies these values and supports students on their way to becoming leaders in medicine and science.

Damon Schmalzriedt

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MSTP Retreat

MSTP Retreat

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MSTP Summer Picnic

MSTP Summer Picnic

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MSTP Research in Progress Meeting

Research In Progress

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MSTP MD/PhD National Student Conference

MD/PhD Student Conference

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MSTP Visiting Alumni and Faculty

Visiting Alumni and Faculty

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