University of Pennsylvania Health System

The Department of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is committed to training leaders in academic medicine in biomedical or health services research, administration, or health care financing. The Physician Scientist Program is sponsored by the William Osler Society of Fellows in Medicine. The program is appropriate for MD-PhD's or those with equivalent experience who are interested in primary research careers.

The program consists of two years of intensive clinical work in Internal Medicine residency, followed by clinical fellowship training in the discipline of the resident's choosing and then 3 years of research. The program is designed to meet all criteria required by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Residents are encouraged, but not required, to participate in subspecialty training at HUP.

The Physician Scientist Program provides the following features:

A weekly continuity practice throughout research training.

Financial support during the research years beyond the expected stipends.

The ability to select a research experience, with the assistance of the Director of the Physician Scientist Program, from one of the many opportunities available throughout the University of Pennsylvania.

Participation in special seminars through the William Osler Society of Fellows in Medicine, designed to acquaint residents with leaders in academic and biomedical research.

The opportunity to obtain a dual degree in the discipline of a resident's choosing exists through participation in the Physician Scientist Graduate Degree Program (PennCIGDP).

Physician Scientist Graduate Degree Program (PennCIGDP)

The educational opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania make it possible to obtain a graduate degree during residency and fellowship. This program is intended for physicians with only an M.D. degree who desire additional training leading to a second graduate degree. This program is directed toward the training of physicians who will staff our medical teaching institutions as leaders in academic medicine. Participants in this program will be expected to integrate graduate training with their clinical curriculum. Physicians who are properly prepared, motivated and talented will be able to earn a second degree within two to three years, depending on the degree requirements. These years can simultaneously count towards various clinical accreditations, so that the overall training interval is not greatly lengthened.

Areas Of Study

M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in the PennCIGDP can be earned in any field which is relevant to medicine. All degree candidates will work with the Biomedical Graduate Studies Program to chart a degree pathway that meets an individual need and complements the training of an academically-oriented physician. Opportunities include study in the traditional areas of biomedical science in the School of Medicine, and other less traditional areas such as the Wharton School, the Fels Center of Government, the School of Engineering, and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics.

Graduation Requirements

At the University of Pennsylvania, graduate degrees are conferred by the various disciplines in each of its schools. A student simultaneously seeking an advanced degree has to fulfill the academic requirements established by his or her designated Graduate Group Committee. Up to eight credits of previous work done as part of an M.D. degree may be applied towards a particular degree with approval from the appropriate graduate studies program.

Application

Acceptability for admission as a candidate for an advanced degree must be established by separate application to the Biomedical Graduate Studies Program. Such applications are made after an individual is accepted to advanced clinical training as a resident or fellow, and has the approval of their Clinical Department Chair. An interview is required. Admission to a Graduate School is effected by recommendation of the individual Graduate Group Committee to the Graduate Faculty. Interest in advanced degree work should normally be indicated at application to a clinical program, although this opportunity is potentially open to anyone at any stage of their career planning. It should also be noted that acceptance by one school has no particular influence on criteria of acceptability to another.

Information on Penn Research Programs

Individuals who are interested in any of these Physician Scientist Programs should mark the appropriate area of the application. Questions regarding the Physician Scientist Program or the William Osler Society of Fellows in Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania should be directed to:

Michael Pack, M.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine and Cell and Developmental Biology
Division of Gastroenterology
University of Pennsylvania Health System
1212 BRBII/III
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215)-573-4145
mpack@mail.med.upenn.edu