University of Louisville Medical Scientist Training Program - Healthcare challenges of the 21st century in the U.S. require well-trained physician-scientists to bridge the gap between groundbreaking biomedical research and community-engaged research to transform healthcare and improve health outcomes for all. The University of Louisville (UofL) Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) prepares physician-scientists to lead biomedical and community-engaged research that addresses the root causes of disease and improves health outcomes across health-challenged populations. With MSTP support, we will expand our program from 5 to 6 annual trainees, enhance our competency-guided curriculum, and strengthen the integration of clinical, translational, and community-partnered research. UofL is one of 102 U.S. institutions with both Carnegie R1 and Community Engaged classifications, offering exceptional infrastructure for training in both basic science and community-engaged (CE) clinical research. Our objectives are to: 1: Expand the program from five to six annual matriculants and focus on recruiting trainees passionate about community- engaged health research. 2: Implement a competency-guided curriculum ensuring mastery of ten core competencies required in physician-scientists, including the conduct of rigorous research leveraging foundational knowledge, patient care, communication skills, grantsmanship, leadership, and drive to provide CE healthcare. 3: Enhance mentoring through faculty training via the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) training framework, augmented with peer mentoring, MSTP specific case-based scenarios, and self-assessments supporting students and building a mentoring environment safe for all students. 4: Support transitions across training stages with structured resources, including a clinical re-immersion course, longitudinal clinical experiences during research years, and opportunities in clinical trials and translational research. 5: Leverage alumni for mentorship and networking through retreats, newsletters, and program evaluations. 6: Foster innovation through entrepreneurial opportunities through partnerships with existing UofL centers of excellence in bio-innovation and translational research. 7: Enhance residency competitiveness by promoting early research involvement, strong publication records, CE clinical research experience, and participation in physician-scientist events. 8: Mitigate attrition by prioritizing student wellness and promoting a safe and supportive training environment. Over the past five years, graduates have published an average of 8 papers (3.6 first author), secured competitive fellowships (e.g., NIH F30, Fulbright), and matched into top-tier residency programs. Our programmatic curriculum includes longitudinal CE training, specialized distinction tracks in public/global health, education, business/leadership, medicine/social impact, as well as biodesign/innovation. By embedding CE and clinical research competencies across all training phases, our MSTP develops leaders who bridge science and medicine to transform healthcare in Kentucky, the Appalachian region, the rural heartland, and beyond.
