Physician Scientist Training Program

The Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) at MUSC utilizes the ABIM-recognized research track for post-graduate training that allows trainees (MD/PhDs and MDs) to re-enter research training years faster than traditional residency/fellowship tracks. Participants complete two years of general internal medicine training prior to one to two years of clinical fellowship (depending on subspecialty). Trainees then enter their research years under the mentor of their choice for three years. The total training time is six to seven years, with research time maximized.

During the research years, participants remain clinically active but are 80% research protected (generally half day of continuity clinic per week, in addition to reduced inpatient service). Internal medicine boards are taken at the beginning of PGY4 (on track with traditional path). Specialty boards are taken at the beginning of PGY6/7 (depending on subspecialty). During all training years, participants are allocated funding of $2000 for books or travel to meetings. During research training years, participants are allocated an additional $10,000 in salary.

For select, qualified candidates, option to join faculty during last year of training (as instructor or assistant professor). Targeted ABIM Internal Medicine Board Eligibility: PGY 4. Targeted ABIM Subspecialty Board Eligibility: PGY 6 or 7 (depending on subspecialty).

Physician Scientist Training Track

Internal Medicine Training: 24 months
Subspecialty Training: 12-24 months (depending on subspecialty)
Research Training (80%): 36 months
Ambulatory Clinic during Training: 1/2 day per week

For select, qualified candidates, option to join faculty during last year of training (as instructor or assistant professor). Targeted ABIM Internal Medicine Board Eligibility: PGY 4. Targeted ABIM Subspecialty Board Eligibility: PGY 5 or 6 (depending on subspecialty).

Supplements

YEARS 1-3 (Clinical Years) 

$2,000 in support of travel to a national meeting, journals

YEARS 4-6 (Research Fellowship)*

$10,000 to supplement salary; $2,000 to support travel expenses

*6.5 or 7 years if Hematology/Oncology, Gastroenterology or Cardiology

How to Apply

Candidates are self-identified and should apply by submitting an application via Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for MUSC Internal Medicine Residency and, upon interview scheduling, express interest in the PSTP. During the interview process, candidates will interview with the Internal Medicine Program Director, the PSTP Program Directors, and the specialty fellowship director when appropriate. Candidates will tour research spaces and meet campus investigators of interest. A letter of reference from the candidate’s research mentor and copies of scientific publications may be requested. Since the interview day is longer, we highly encourage interested candidates to spend the night. Hotel accommodations for 1 night will be reimbursed. Candidates will separately rank "Physician Scientist Pathway". 

Investigators

Our research programs in cancer immunotherapy, stem cell therapy, diabetes, lipid biology, clinical genetics in cardiology, global health, inflammation and fibrosis are very well funded to name a few.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

MUSC’s research facilities continue to expand dramatically with the addition of the James Clyburn Research Complex, consisting of the Drug Discovery and Bioengineering Buildings for translational research and in vivo experimentation. Additionally, MUSC has a Center for Global Health, Center for Health Disparities, Center for Genomic Medicine, Center for Clinical Assessment, Teaching, & Simulation (CCAT), an NCI-designated cancer center (Hollings), Biostatistics and Informatics Department, as well as both standard and unique basic/translational research cores. The Department of Medicine has also developed a robust faculty mentoring program.

About MUSC

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates over 3,100 students in six colleges and trains 950+ residents and fellows across its health system. MUSC leads the state in federal and National Institutes of Health and research funding.

As the health care system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. In 2024, for the 10th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.

MUSC has a total enterprise annual operating budget of $7.1 billion. The 31,000 MUSC members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers, scientists, contract employees, affiliates and care team members who deliver groundbreaking education, research, and patient care.