Physician Scientist Training Program in Pediatrics (PSTP2)
Overview of the Program
The Department of Pediatrics is highly committed to the development of academic physicians and physician-scientists. To that end, we have established the Physician-Scientist Training Program (PSTP) in Pediatrics (PSTP2) here at UT Southwestern. The PSTP2 Program allows qualified candidates to receive training in pediatrics at UT Southwestern and Children’s Medical Center for two years, followed by clinical and research training in a pediatric subspecialty fellowship program.
For the PGY-1 and PGY-2 years, individuals participate fully in the categorical Pediatric Residency Training Program. Because of the shortened period of time spent in residency, we optimize rotation scheduling to assure appropriate training before the individual enters a subspecialty fellowship program. Consistent with American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) requirements and subject to ABP final approval, PSTP2 Scholars can explore options for pursuing ABP special research training pathways, with their application to the ABP sponsored by our Pediatrics Department.
For our 2022-23 entering class, we anticipate up to three class members could be proposed to the ABP for special training pathways.
Numerous opportunities are available to aid with the transition to a junior faculty appointment at the completion of the PSTP2. These include our Department’s NIH/NICHD-sponsored K12 Child Health Research Center Program for junior faculty, and the campus-wide UT Southwestern Disease-Oriented Clinical Scholars, or DOCS Program, which is also designed to support the junior faculty physician-scientist.
During their participation in the PSTP2, which is 6-7 years in duration, the scholars will receive highly individualized mentorship. During the fellowship component, they will be eligible for augmented salary support, and many will participate in one of the numerous NIH-sponsored T32 programs here at UT Southwestern. Above all, they will have the opportunity to train in the research laboratories of UT Southwestern’s internationally renowned faculty. They will also participate in monthly journal club and career development seminars, which will be done in partnership with the Internal Medicine Physician Scientist Training Program here at UT Southwestern.
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants include trainees with dual M.D. and Ph.D. degrees, and individuals with an M.D. degree and either a Master’s degree or substantive research experience will also be considered.
Application Process
Interested individuals should apply to the UT Southwestern Medical Center Pediatrics Residency Program through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). During the residency interview visit in November, December, or January, PSTP2 candidates will learn first-hand about our Residency Program. They will then be invited back for a second, expenses-paid visit in January or February devoted specifically to interactions with the relevant subspecialty division chief, fellowship director and current fellows, and potential scientific mentors in various departments and centers on our campus.
Prior to the residency interview, applicants interested in PSTP2 should provide the following two items in an email to Phil Shaul, M.D., the PSTP2 Program Director:
- A letter including a statement of the applicant’s research interests and the potential subspecialty field of interest to the applicant, and
- A letter from the applicant’s Ph.D. mentor or research mentor.
Financial Support
During fellowship training, PSTP2 scholars will receive augmented salary support of $10,000/year, for a maximum of four years.
PSTP2 Mentoring Program
Upon initiation of the PSTP2 Program, each scholar will be assigned a pediatric physician-scientist mentor. They will partner with the PSTP2 Program Director and the Pediatrics Residency Program Director to assist the scholar in decision-making regarding their research training. Once a fellowship program is chosen, an additional pediatric physician-scientist mentor will be selected, if needed, to provide the scholar with guidance in the relevant clinical subspecialty area.