T32 medical scientist training program (mstp) at the zucker school of medicine at hofstra/northwell

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded Hofstra University $355,003 on July 1, 2026, under the T32 Medical Scientist Training Program at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell to support integrated MD/PhD physician scientist training.

The program matriculates four students annually, with plans to expand to six per year. The curriculum integrates MD and PhD coursework with emphasis on research rigor, reproducibility, and responsible conduct of research including laboratory safety. Trainees complete both degrees within seven years on average. The program includes MD-PhD-specific courses, an extensive series on career pathways for physician scientists, and 50 percent of graduates enter research residencies or physician scientist training pathways.

The award runs through June 30, 2031, with place of performance in Hempstead, New York. The funding falls under CFDA 93.859, Biomedical Research and Research Training, which supports basic research advancing understanding of biological processes and laying the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Abstract

There is a recognized need for an increased number of trainees to enter the physician scientist workforce. To address this need, we developed a physician scientist training program that matriculated the first class in 2011 and is now mature with a track record of successful graduation of trainees into research residencies and other training programs that are designed to increase their skills as physician scientists. Seventy percent of our trainees graduate in 7 years. Our mission is to train rigorous, creative, and ethical physician scientists by providing an educational program that integrates MD and PHD training and focuses on examining the scientific basis of medical practice to identify unmet needs and opportunities for improving human health. We have developed a curriculum that has numerous MD-PHD specific courses and has a heavy emphasis on rigor and reproducibility and responsible conduct of research including laboratory safety. We have an extensive series on career opportunities so that trainees are aware of the many professional niches that profit from the expertise of trained physician scientists. Trainees to date have moved into highly competitive residencies including half who have moved into research residencies or physician scientist training pathways (pstps). We currently matriculate 4 students each year and hope to increase the size of the program to 6 students a year.