Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)
The Vanderbilt MSTP offers top-tier training for future physician-scientists, combining rigorous clinical and research education to prepare leaders in academic medicine and biomedical research while earning their MD and PhD degrees.
Program Highlights
Early Clinical Experience
Core clinical training occurs in year 2, prior to PhD studies—giving students advanced clinical skills to inform their research.
Accelerated Timeline
An innovative three-year MD curriculum accelerates time-to-degree and optimizes research training yielding average time to degree of 7.5 years.
Top-Tier Scientific Training
Students train with world-renowned faculty across leading basic science and clinical departments. Currently, the Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics rank #1 and the School of Medicine #5 in NIH support.
Supportive Community
Four Advising Colleges with dedicated faculty and robust peer to peer mentoring foster a tight-knit, collaborative community.
Vertical Integration/Mentoring
Nation-leading programming connects students with physician-scientist residents and fellows (PSTPs) who serve as near-peer mentors and as Associate College Advisors.
Leadership Development
Our students will be future leaders. Both didactic training and experiential leadership opportunities are woven throughout the curriculum.
Program Outcomes
The Vanderbilt MSTP prepares future leaders in academic medicine through a rigorous, integrated curriculum that combines clinical excellence and research. Graduates earn both an M.D. and Ph.D., and their success across academia, industry, and clinical practice speaks to the program’s impact.
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345
graduates as of December 2023
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60%
of recent graduates in residency or fellowship at top institutions
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76%
of recent graduates in research-related roles (academic, industry, or government)
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6
Graduates in medical school leadership roles (3 Deans, 3 Department Chairs)
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30
Graduates are full Professors, including 3 MSTP Directors and 18 Industry Lead
Mission Statement
To identify, recruit, train, and mentor a talented workforce of compassionate and dedicated future physician-scientists. These Vanderbilt-trained physician-scientists will serve critical needs in all aspects of medicine, science, industry, and government to improve human health and improve society through leadership in biomedical research and clinical practice.
Life in Nashville
Well-Being and Community
Mentorship and Leadership
Recent News from MSTP
Leadership Team
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Christopher S. Williams, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Medical Scientist Training Program
Professor, Medicine
Associate Director, Research Education, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Helps with: overall program leadership, advising students across all phases including residency match -
Lourdes Estrada, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Academic Programs & Operations, Medical Scientist Training Program
Assistant Dean, Community Health Education, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Professor, Biochemistry
Helps with: curriculum and academic programming, general operations, training grant, advising during MD<>GRAD transitions -
Fred Lamb, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Director for Clinical Education, Medical Scientist Training Program
Professor, Cell & Developmental Biology and Pharmacology
Helps with: Lab rotation and mentor selection, advising during graduate phase, quantitative reasoning curriculum -
Ethan Lee, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Director for Graduate Education, Medical Scientist Training Program
Professor, Cell & Developmental Biology and PharmacologyHelps with: Lab rotation and mentor selection, advising during graduate phase, quantitative reasoning curriculum
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Ambra Pozzi, PhD
Associate Director for Graduate Education, Medical Scientist Training Program
Professor, Medicine and Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Helps with: Lab rotation and mentor selection, advising during graduate phase, Foundations of Biomedical Research, Mock Study Section, Responsible Conduct of Research -
Megan A. Williams, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Medical Scientist Training Program
Assistant Professor, Pharmacology
Helps with: Admissions and recruiting, communications, outreach, Community Council -
Leigh Ann Gardner, M.A., C.R.A.
Senior Grants Manager, Medical Scientist Training Program
Helps with: Fellowship support, training grant, expense reports
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Bryn Sierra, M.S., M.Ed.
Senior Program Manager, Medical Scientist Training Program
Helps with: Matriculation, student committees, student accounts, MD<>GRAD transitions, events, funding requests
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Ava Hampton
Program Coordinator, Medical Scientist Training Program
Helps with: scheduling, events, newsletter, website.
Connect With Us
Interested in the Vanderbilt MSTP program? Explore our curriculum and admissions requirements. Then take the next step and request information about the program or contact us with questions.
Vanderbilt Medical Scientist Training Program
2nd Floor, Eskind Biomedical Library and Learning Center
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Email: mdphd@vanderbilt.edu
Mailing Address:
221 Eskind Biomedical Library and Learning Center
2209 Garland Avenue
Nashville, TN 37240
Office Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (CST)