Why Physician Scientists?

Physician Scientists are Leaders in Medicine and Research

Physician scientists are a critical force in academic biomedical research and in the private sector. In fact, 70% of NIH Institute Directors and Chief Scientific Officers at leading pharmaceutical companies are physician-scientists. One-third of Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine recipients are physician-scientists.

However, the proportion of physicians engaging in research has declined in the past decades due to various factors.

How Our Program is Developing the Physician Scientist Pipeline

The SOM Program to Advance Physician-Scientists and Translational Research aims to grow the physician scientist community on the Anschutz Medical Campus and beyond.  We focus on the training, career satisfaction, and retention of physician scientists at the Anschutz Medical Campus.  

Our initiatives to improve the pipeline for physician scientists include:

• Post-baccalaureate program as a bridge to a career in biomedical sciences
• Research opportunities for medical students interested in biomedical research
• In-depth research opportunities for housestaff through the NIH-supported StARR programs and with institutional support
• Research opportunities for early MD and PhD faculty focused on translational research through the Translational Research Scholars Program (TRSP)
• ASPIRE Program to serve as an incubator for interdisciplinary, programmatic research
• Establish a community of trainees from medical students to early faculty
• Recognition of the accomplishments of physician-scientists

A Focus on More Research Opportunities for Early Career Physician-Scientists

Our programs aim to provide research experience and opportunities early and often for developing physician scientist trainees and junior faculty.

References:

Schwartz. AJRCCM 2012; 185:595
Jain. NEJM 2019; 381:399