The Physician Scientist Development Program (PSDP) in the Department of Pediatrics is a post-graduate training program intended to produce clinically-trained scientists with interests ranging from basic to translational and clinically oriented research.
The program accepts qualified applicants who have completed combined MD-PhD degrees or an MD with equivalent research experience into a pathway that includes both pediatric clinical training and post-doctoral research training.
PSDP training is integrated across the Departments of Pediatrics, Medicine and Pathology within the Biological Sciences Division to provide a supportive, inclusive and dynamic training experience.
PSDP recruitment is coordinated across Departments within the Biological Sciences Division (BSD) with a joint recruitment/information session scheduled in November of each year. This year’s program will take place on Monday, November 13, 2023.
The pathway begins with clinical training in The University of Chicago’s Pediatric Residency Training Program. Residents benefit from exposure to complex and diverse patient populations in a highly collaborative environment that values teaching and autonomy. PSDP participants may choose to pursue the American Board of Pediatrics Research Training Pathway (i.e. “Fast Track”), which allows qualified candidates to begin their sub-specialty fellowship training in lieu of their third year of residency.
PSDP participants will be given the opportunity to pursue sub-specialty training in any of The University of Chicago’s fellowships. The Department of Pediatrics has 13 nationally recognized ACGME accredited clinical fellowships including fellowships in Allergy and Immunology, Child Neurology, Clinical Informatics, Pediatric Critical Care, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Rheumatology. Non-ACGME fellowship training in ethics is available, as well.
Trainees are given great flexibility in their selection of laboratories and mentors for their post-doctoral research fellowship. Trainees may choose to pursue research within the Department of Pediatrics or take advantage of a host of opportunities located throughout the Biological Sciences Division and the University.
The University of Chicago is the home to numerous world-class research centers including the Ben May Department for Cancer Research, the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Gwen Knapp Center for Lupus & Immunology Research, The University of Chicago Institute for Cardiovascular Research, the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, the MacLean Center for Medical Ethics, the Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Center.
To apply for the Physician-Scientist Development Program in the Department of Pediatrics, please submit a categorical pediatrics application through ERAS, and complete the PSDP supplementary RedCap form.
During the first two years of the program, trainees enter a formal mentorship program that encourages participation in journal club and laboratory meetings. In addition, residents meet regularly with a senior physician scientist of their choice to explore career paths and potential areas of interest. A PSDP trainee may (but is not required to) pursue the American Board of Pediatrics’ Research Pathway (ie. “Short Track”) as long as the trainee complies with requirements as outlined by the ABP AND maintains training evaluations at a level of “high satisfactory” or better.
Trainees are invited to attend a regular seminar series in areas of interest. These seminars include the Molecular Medicine Seminar program, the Immunology series, the Molecular Biosciences Seminar Series, and Seminar series from each Section within the Department of Medicine.
Trainees within the PSDP are guaranteed stipend support for residency and fellowship training. Throughout the entire length of the program, the trainees receive additional financial resources to support their educational needs.
PGY1 / PGY2: During internship and the junior year of residency, trainees will receive educational funding of $5000 / year to support the purchase of computers, software, journal subscriptions and scientific conference registration.
Clinical Fellowship: During the year(s) of clinical fellowship training, trainees will receive educational funding of $5000 / year to support the purchase of computers, software, journal subscriptions and scientific conference registration.
Research Fellowship Years: During research years trainees will receive a $25,000 / year supplement to their salary, and $5000 stipend per year to support scientific conference attendance.