The M.D. Scientist Training Program (MDSTP) is a campus-wide program that provides young physicians with specialized options for post-graduate scientific training at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The MDSTP provides individuals with highly individualized mentorship, the opportunity to train in the research groups of one of our internationally renowned faculty, and 80% salary/fringe support for two years of research training.

MDSTP Eligibility

The M.D. Scientist Training Program is designed for individuals who hold an M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degree and who are enrolled in a post-graduate clinical training program at UT Southwestern.

Current post-graduate trainees at UT Southwestern who have been accepted to continue their training in one of the clinical fellowship programs at the institution are also eligible, provided they have not started the investigative phase of their fellowship training. Medical students with a strong commitment to biomedical research are encouraged to discuss the MDSTP during their residency interview.

If an individual is selected for the M.D. Scientist Training Program during the early portion of his/her residency program, the Department Chair and Residency Program Director will decide whether allowable clinical training changes, such as fast tracking, are appropriate.

Research Areas

The program will fund research training in all applicable areas, from basic, translational and clinical research.

MDSTP Selection

Applications for M.D. Scientist Training Program support will evaluated by members of the Program Selection Committee. In order to be accepted into the MDSTP, the individual must be accepted by the appropriate clinical training program. Individuals selected for the MDSTP are expected to have completed or to concurrently complete the training requirements for board certification in their respective clinical disciplines.

MDSTP Timeline

Candidates may formally apply to the MDSTP at any time following their acceptance to a post-graduate clinical training program at UT Southwestern. In most instances, individuals who have already begun research training during residency or fellowship are not eligible.

The application and all supporting documentation must be complete and submitted for consideration no later than March 15, for potential enrollment into MDSTP by July 1.

Application Requirements

• Completed application form (fillable PDF)
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement from applicant addressing the desire to obtain investigative training, any known specific research interests, and long-term career plans and goals. Commitment to at least two years of research training is expected.
• Letter from nominating Chair that includes a commitment for funding for the clinical portion of the fellowship, commitment to cost-sharing 20% of salary/fringe costs during research training, defines any desired departmental or divisional salary supplementation, and assures that the trainee will have minimal (if any) clinical responsibilities during the investigative phase of the program.
• Letter from clinical training Program Director that addresses the applicant’s academic potential and commitment to scholarly endeavors, defines the length of the applicant’s total training, and specifically defines the applicant’s clinical responsibilities during the investigative phase of their post-graduate training.
• If known – a letter from the applicant’s proposed scientific mentor outlining the scope of the research project should be included along with the mentor’s NIH biographical sketch.

All information should be sent to:

M.D. Scientist Training Program
c/o Ezra Burstein, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine and MDSTP Director
Ezra.Burstein@UTSW.edu