Medical Scientist Training Program

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.

A smiling female student researcher in a lab coat and gloves pipettes a liquid in a VUSM lab.

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 optimized three-year MD curriculum accelerates time-to-degree and strengthens research education with training in Rigor and Reproducibility.

Top-Tier Scientific Training

Students train with world-renowned faculty across leading basic science and clinical departments.

Supportive Community

Four Advising Colleges with dedicated faculty foster a tight-knit, collaborative environment.

Vertical Integration/Mentoring

Programming connects students across training levels. Physician-scientist residents and fellows mentor trainees as Associate College Advisors.

Leadership Development

Physician-scientists are future leaders. We incorporate leadership training throughout the program, both didactic and experiential.

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.

  • 345

    graduates as of December 2023

  • 60%

    of recent graduates in residency or fellowship at top institutions

  • 76%

    of recent graduates in research-related roles (academic, industry, or government)

  • 24%

    of recent graduates in clinical private practice

  • 6

    Graduates in medical school leadership roles (3 Deans, 3 Department Chairs)

  • 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, reduce disparities, and improve society through leadership in biomedical research and clinical practice.

Life in Nashville

Live and learn in America’s “Friendliest City”—a vibrant and growing metropolitan area.

Well-Being and Community

Thrive within a community that supports students who aim to tackle major challenges in science, medicine, and society.

Mentorship and Leadership

Connect with residents and fellows to further your research practice and become a leader in your field.

Recent News from MSTP

Leadership Team

  • Director

    Christopher S. Williams, M.D., Ph.D.
    Director, Medical Scientist Training Program
    Associate Dean, Physician-Scientist Education and Training
    Professor, Medicine
    Associate Director, Harrison Society, ABIM Research Residency in Medicine

  • Associate Directors

    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

    Ethan Lee, M.D., Ph.D.
    Associate Director for Graduate Education, Medical Scientist Training Program
    Professor, Cell & Developmental Biology and Pharmacology

    Ambra Pozzi, PhD
    Associate Director for Graduate Education, Medical Scientist Training Program
    Professor, Molecular Physiology & Biophysics and Medicine

    John M. Stafford, M.D., Ph.D.
    Associate Director for Clinical Education, Medical Scientist Training Program
    Associate Professor, Molecular Physiology & Biophysics and Medicine

  • Assistant Director

    Megan A. Williams, Ph.D.
    Assistant Director, Medical Scientist Training Program
    Assistant Professor, Pharmacology

  • Program Managers

    Leigh Ann Gardner, M.A., C.R.A.
    Senior Grants Manager, Medical Scientist Training Program

    Bryn Sierra, M.S., M.Ed.
    Senior Program Manager, Medical Scientist Training Program

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.

Email Us

Vanderbilt Medical Scientist Training Program
2nd Floor, Eskind Biomedical Library and Learning Center
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

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)