Training future physician-scientists

Medical Scientist Training Program

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-10914199

This study is looking at how well the University of Iowa's program helps students become doctors who also do research, so they can better connect science and medicine for the benefit of patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeTraining grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10914199 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

The University of Iowa Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) prepares students to become physician-scientists by integrating medical and scientific education. Participants undergo a rigorous curriculum that includes 1.5 years of pre-clinical medical coursework, 4 to 5 years of graduate training, and 1.5 years of clinical clerkships. This program emphasizes the connection between science and medicine, fostering critical thinking, integrity, and effective communication skills. Graduates are equipped to contribute to the biomedical research workforce with a strong foundation in both fields.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are individuals pursuing a career that combines medicine and scientific research, particularly those interested in obtaining both MD and PhD degrees.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pursuing a career in biomedical research or medical education may not benefit directly from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the number of qualified physician-scientists, leading to advancements in medical research and patient care.

How similar studies have performed: The MSTP model has a long history of success, having effectively trained physician-scientists since 1977, indicating that this approach is well-established.

Where this research is happening

Iowa City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.