Introduction
| |   he Clinical Pathology Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) in the Department of Pathology and Immunology at Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) is committed to training the next generation of physician scientist leaders in the field of clinical pathology. The program focuses on the period from the completion of the MD degree, and allows for substantial research experience through the clinical and postdoctoral research training years, culminating in a trainee that is highly competitive for research-based academic appointments as an independent physician scientist.
Although the three-year Clinical Pathology Residency includes research training, the LGM Division recognizes that serious basic scientific training requires additional time. Thus, residents admitted into the PSTP can continue their training for up to six years, completing their clinical training by the end of year three and dedicating their remaining time entirely to research training.
 The PSTP combines the intensive clinical training environment of Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University Medical Center with the rigorous basic scientific training in laboratories at Washington University. Trainees choose research mentors from among any of the over 2,700 faculty members at Washington University and the WUSM who are world-renowned in many disciplines including cancer biology, microbiology, molecular biology, immunobiology, computational sciences, cell biology, genetics and biochemistry. You can find more information about the diverse interests of the faculty at WUSM at the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences (DBBS) website.
| Eligibility
| |  ligible applicants include graduates with a combined MD-PhD degree or an MD degree and a strong record of basic science research experience. Applicants must fulfill all eligibility requirements for clinical pathology training. The most competitive candidates will have a strong commitment to a research career in academic medicine and an outstanding academic and research record.
| Application
| |   andidates must apply to the Clinical Pathology Residency program at WUSM through the ERAS (Electronic Residency Application System) and should be registered through the NRMP (National Residency Matching Program). However, these candidates should also directly contact the Clinical Pathology Residency Director, Dr. Charles Eby to indicate their interest in being considered for the PSTP. This contact should be made as early as possible and it is not necessary that the ERAS application be completed prior to contacting Dr. Eby.
In addition to the ERAS application candidates are asked to submit a CV, a one-page description of research accomplishments and a one-page description of long-term career goals. Additionally, three letters of recommendation, including one from their research mentor that comments primarily about the candidate's potential for a career as an independent basic scientist will be needed to complete the application.
Candidates who are invited for interviews will generally be on campus for two days to meet with clinical faculty and research faculty whose research is of interest to the applicant. Candidates are also expected to present a seminar on their research. Travel and lodging for the candidate and a spouse is paid by the LGM Division.
| Program
| | rainees will complete the clinical training required by the American Board of Pathology for board eligibility in clinical pathology during the first three years of training. During this period, trainees will also be able to initiate their research programs. Mentorship will be an important part of this training experience and will include collaborative assessment of research training mentors and experiences. The goal is to tailor the training experience to foster uniquely trained individuals capable of working at the forefront of biomedical science.
 At the end of the third year, trainees will be promoted to instructor and will embark on up to three years of full-time postdoctoral research training that will be free of clinical requirements, although there would be opportunities for continued clinical activities if trainees so desire. The selection of an appropriate postdoctoral training environment is critical to the success of the trainee. To assist this critical selection process, trainees will have (in addition to intensive mentoring) the opportunity to attend annual retreats offered by each department and research program within the graduate DBBS. Importantly, trainees can complete their postdoctoral research training in any laboratory at Washington University and the WUSM.
| Financial Support
| |  rainees are guaranteed salary support for their three clinical training years and up to three postdoctoral training years. This salary support follows the set post-graduate training salaries for the three clinical years. However, during this time, trainees will receive $3,000 per year to be used to attend meetings and to purchase computers and software. Appointment of the trainee to Instructor at the start of the forth year includes a significant salary supplement.
Senior trainees will be encouraged to obtain additional funding to facilitate their subsequent transition to their first academic position. This includes K08 awards and private foundation awards, such as Burroughs Wellcome Awards. For those trainees who show exceptional progress in their research, applications for R01 or R21 awards will be considered.
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