Breaking Tradition to Bridge Bench and Bedside: Accelerating the MD-PhD-Residency Pathway

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Biomedical Research Training

Background:

• Physician-scientists are crucial for addressing biomedical research questions.
• Traditional MD-PhD and physician-scientist residency pathways face challenges, including funding and lengthy training durations, which deter applicants and hinder success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Accelerated MD-PhD-Residency Pathway at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, designed to overcome barriers in physician-scientist training.
• To evaluate the pathway's impact on training duration, cost, and fostering research collaborations.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an Accelerated MD-PhD-Residency Pathway in 2016, building on an existing 3-year MD program.
• Conditional acceptance of MD-PhD trainees into integrated residency positions via the National Resident Matching Program.
• Provision of protected research time within chosen residency programs.

Main Results:

• The pathway has enrolled 2 students to date, offering protected research time.
• It reduces the combined MD and PhD training duration by one year.
• The MD training phase is shortened to three years, decreasing overall costs and socioeconomic barriers.

Conclusions:

• The pathway facilitates strong research collaborations and mentorship by keeping trainees at the same institution for residency.
• Institutional leaders plan to expand trainee numbers and track long-term success to assess its effectiveness in producing practicing physician-scientists.
• This model offers a potential framework for other institutions to enhance physician-scientist training.