Training Program: Clinical Scientist Training Program (CSTP)

Wishwa N. Kapoor, MD, MPH
Director, Clinical Scientist Training Program

• The Clinical Scientist Training Program (CSTP) is a track offered through the University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Clinical Research Education. The Institute offers several programs for health professionals with varying backgrounds, including this one specifically for residents in the Internal Medicine Residency Program. The program is designed to prepare outstanding residents for a career in academic medicine and clinical investigation by providing them with opportunities to learn and practice clinical research skills during their residency training.
• The program has three main components: a longitudinal seminar, mentored research, and courses in clinical research methods. All participants complete 9 units of coursework over an 8-week period, typically during the summer months of the second year of residency. Generally, the time for the coursework is substituted for two electives in the residency training track in which the resident is enrolled. In addition, participants complete 6 units of a mentored clinical research project over the course of their residency. The ultimate goals are for residents to complete their research, present one or more abstracts at regional or national meetings, and prepare a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Upon completion of the program requirements, residents may also pursue further class work to obtain either a Certificate of Clinical Research or Master of Clinical Research degree, which generally requires an additional year of training that can be completed after residency or as part of a fellowship following residency. Read more about the three levels of support here.
  

  Kathleen McTigue, MD, MS, MPH
  Associate Director, Clinical Scientist Training Program

• The full cost of tuition for this program is covered for up to five positions each year. Prospective applicants who have received an invitation to interview for a position in the Internal Medicine Residency Program should apply to the CSTP prior to their scheduled interview. Because the recruitment and training of clinician-researchers is such a high priority at the current time, the NIH has implemented a loan-forgiveness program for doctors who commit to a career in clinical research.Full information regarding the CSTP, including information about the curriculum, the separate application, and the program leadership, can be accessed by going the CSTP website. Additional information about this track may be obtained by contacting Dr. Kathleen McTigue. Please visit our How to Apply page for more information on general application procedures.
• Please visit our website to see more about our CSTP Residents.

CLINICAL SCIENTIST TRAINING PROGRAM

PGY1		5-6 Months of Inpatient Floors 3-4 Months General Medicine 1 Month Cardiology 1 Month Hematology/Oncology
		1 Month Medical ICU
		1 Month CCU
		1 Month Ambulatory Block
		1-2 Months Electives
		2 Weeks Night Float and 2 Weeks of Emergency Medicine
		Continuity clinic ½ day per week throughout year except while in ICU/CCU
PGY2		4 Months of Inpatient Floors 2 Months General Medicine 1 Month Cardiology 1 Month Hematology/Oncology
		1-2 Months ICU (Medical ICU or CCU)
		2 Months Ambulatory Blocks
		1-2 Months Electives
		2 Months CSTP Classroom Work (During Summer Months)
		1 Month Outpatient Geriatrics
		2 Weeks Night Float/2 Weeks VA Emergent Care Center
		Continuity clinic ½ day per week throughout year except while in ICU/CCU
PGY3		3 Months of Inpatient Floors 2 Months General Medicine 1 Month Cardiology
		1-2 Months ICU (Medical ICU or CCU)
		1 Month Ambulatory Block
		2-3 Months Electives
		1 Month Special Elective
		2 Weeks Night Float/2 Weeks VA Emergent Care Center
		Continuity clinic ½ day per week throughout year except while in ICU/CCU

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