Training future physician-scientists in otolaryngology
Official title: Vanderbilt Training of Otolaryngology Physician Scientists (V-TOPS) Program
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11009947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The V-TOPS program at Vanderbilt University is helping future doctors who want to combine their medical training with research, giving them two years to work closely with experienced mentors and learn how to turn new scientific discoveries into better care for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $283,884 |
| NIH project number | 5R25DC020728-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009947 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are otolaryngology residents and medical students interested in pursuing a career that combines clinical practice with research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in training or do not have an interest in a research career may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
The V-TOPS program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center focuses on training otolaryngology residents and medical students to become physician-scientists. This program provides mentored research experiences that align with the trainees' clinical interests, fostering relationships with successful mentors in the field. By dedicating two years to research between clinical training years, participants gain valuable insights and skills that can enhance their future careers in medicine and research. The goal is to increase the number of physician-scientists who can translate scientific discoveries into improved patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new generation of physician-scientists who improve health outcomes through innovative research in otolaryngology.
How similar studies have gone: Similar training programs have shown success in increasing the number of physician-scientists in various medical fields, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gelbard, Alexander — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gelbard, Alexander
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.