Clinical Scientist Track

The Clinical Scientist Track for University of Pittsburgh Internal Medicine Residents is designed to prepare outstanding internal medicine 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: mentored research, a longitudinal seminar, and courses in clinical research methods. All residents in this track have the option to enroll in the clinical research methods curriculum offered by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) through the University’s Institute for Clinical Research Education, based in the Oakland campus of the University and UPMC. This curriculum consists of an intensive 8-week program designed to teach fundamental skills of clinical research to physicians in UPMC-affiliated residency and fellowship programs. At the completion of the curriculum, a certificate is issued by UPMC, attesting to the participants’ successful completion of the courses. The courses do not carry University credits. In addition, residents in the Clinical Scientist Track complete a mentored clinical research project over the course of their residency. The ultimate goals are for the 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.

The tuition for this program is covered for up to three 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 Clinical Scientist Track prior to their scheduled interview. Because the recruitment and training of clinician-researchers is such a high priority at the current time, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has implemented a loan-forgiveness program for doctors who commit to a career in clinical research. Individuals in the Clinical Scientist Track may consider applying for the loan-forgiveness program when their residency is completed. Additional information about the Clinical Scientist Track for residents can be obtained by contacting Dr. Kathleen McTigue. For more information on application procedures, please visit our application information page.