South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program (STX-MSTP) - Project Summary/Abstract:
This proposal seeks support for the South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program (STX-MSTP) at the
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT-Health-SA), a federally designated
Hispanic-serving institution in a minority-majority city. As national leader in clinical and translational
research on Hispanic, Military, and Veteran health issues, UT-Health-SA addresses regional health
disparities that present both challenges and opportunities for medical research that are of nationwide
relevance. The Goals of the South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program (STX-MSTP) are to support
the training of a diverse group of physician-scientists who will: 1) Provide the highest quality of clinical
care, 2) Conduct innovative and impactful biomedical research across the basic, translational, and clinical
spectrum, 3) serve as clinical and scientific leaders addressing the growing health disparities of America,
and 4) Practice inclusive, safe, and rigorous mentorship in research and medical training environments. The
STX- MSTP provides training in traditional wet-lab biomedical science investigation while exposing
students to our unique clinical environment and providing them with training in Health Disparities
Research. Based upon the success of our initial STX-MSTP T32 award, and significant, positive trajectories
in student recruitment, achievements (publications and F-grant awards), and retention, as well as placement
after program completion over the past ten years, we are requesting support for 11 training slots per year
for the STX-MSTP (4-MS1, 4-MS2, and 3-GS1).