Medical scientist training program at the university of florida

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded the University of Florida $235,668 on July 1, 2026, to support the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), a physician-scientist dual-degree training initiative under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859).

The award funds tuition and stipend support for MD-PhD scholars at the University of Florida, with four scholars supported in the first year and six in subsequent years, each receiving funding for two years. The program aims to expand cohort size to ten scholars per year during the five-year funding period. The MSTP integrates twelve PhD programs across four colleges and provides scholars access to the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and nine interdisciplinary research institutes. Educational components emphasize community-building, team-based research, professional development, and personalized career planning to optimize transitions between program phases and into academic careers.

The University of Florida's existing MD-PhD program has produced ninety-one graduates earning their degrees in an average of 7.8 years. Program alumni have published 2,304 peer-reviewed articles, with 95 percent securing their first position in academia and 70 percent remaining in academically oriented roles.

Performance runs through June 30, 2031, at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.

Abstract

Florida's MD-PHD training opportunities are underdeveloped compared to other populous states, limiting the ability to attract, train, and retain future physician-scientists. The UF mstp addresses this need by elevating the prominence of UF's MD-PHD program, raising awareness of dual-degree programs, and freeing up resources to bolster the dual-degree pipeline. The UF mstp will serve as a dynamic training ground for leaders to tackle the nation's health needs. The UF MD-PHD has achieved significant outcomes. Ninety-one scholars have earned an MD/PHD in an average of 7.8 years. Those who have completed their post-graduate training have published 2,304 peer-reviewed articles, and 95% have secured their first job in academia. The program's success is further evidenced by the high percentage of graduates remaining in academia and academically oriented positions (70%). Bolstered by a significant investment by the college of medicine, the UF mstp will offer a comprehensive training environment, integrating 12 PHD programs across four colleges. Scholars will benefit from interprofessional learning opportunities, team science collaborations, and access to world-class research facilities, including the UF clinical and translational science institute and nine interdisciplinary research institutes. The program's innovative educational model emphasizes community- building to reduce attrition, team-based research, professional development, and personalized career planning. Specific program elements, like joint activities and infrastructure, optimize the transition between program phases and into careers integrating biomedical science and clinical excellence. With mstp funding of four scholars in the first year and six in subsequent years, funding each scholar for 2 years, the program aims to expand each cohort class to 10 scholars per year during this funding period, eventually reaching 12. Scholars are expected to publish peer- reviewed articles, secure extramural funding, and transition into careers integrating biomedical science and clinical excellence. In conclusion, the UF mstp will significantly enhance experiential team-based learning, expand the trainee pipeline, and prepare future clinician-scientists to lead large cross- disciplinary teams to address florida's and the nation's pressing health needs. The program's innovative approach, comprehensive training environment, and commitment to addressing the statewide need will cement the UF mstp as the cornerstone of UF college of medicine's mission to train physician-scientists.