Physician-Scientist Experience

Wet labThe physician-scientist experience provides research training for medical students who are interested in pursuing research careers in clinical and translational science. It gives M.D. students the opportunity to participate in extended, mentored research activities while in medical school. After completing the experience, students will have taken the first major steps towards careers as physician-scientists. 

The program has five-month and one-year options. Students participating in the one-year option will earn a Master's in Clinical and Translational Research. Students who successfully complete the physician-scientist experience will fulfill the requirements of a scholarly project.

Program

  • Presents research opportunities in a wide variety of research areas, including molecular medicine, medical genetics, cancer biology, epidemiology, health services research, clinical research, clinical trials and in other disciplines.  

  • Offers research experience under the mentorship of a physician-scientist, in the laboratory or in clinical research.  
  • Includes instruction in research presentation, journal clubs, manuscript preparation and grant writing.  
  • May include an NIH-supported research experience of one year duration, supported by an NRSA stipend.  
  • Opportunity to earn a Master's in Clinical and Translational Research (required for individuals taking an NIH year-out experience).  
  • Includes coursework in biostatistics, research ethics, translational research and clinical research design in the framework of the Human Investigations Program.
  • Offers participation in the clinical and translational research clerkship.
Five-month option

  • This option will allow completion of the program within the normal four-year medical curriculum. Time options are:

    • Option 1: After USMLE step 1 exam (MS2), February to July (winter 3 to summer 1)

    • Option 2: After core clinical experiences (MS3), January to June (winter 2 to spring 3)

  • Human Investigations Program classes: Choice of electives
  • Monthly Journal Club
  • Monthly physician-scientist faculty seminars

  • Presentation of data at capstone event with the M.D. program or at the annual OHSU Research Week

One-year option

  • This option requires taking a year out and offers the opportunity to obtain a Master's in Clinical and Translational Research. Students may start their research experience as early as summer term (MS3 or MS4); they would enroll in the master's program courses in fall.
  • Required to enroll in Masters of Clinical Research curriculum
  • Monthly Journal Club
  • Monthly physician-scientist faculty seminars
  • Presentation of data at capstone event (annual Research Week)

 

Funding/fellowships