At Mount Sinai, we have researchers who are engaged in cutting-edge scientific discovery that will change the face of medicine tomorrow. The residents in the Department of Medicine who enter our Physician-Scientist Training Program participate in the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Research Pathway and can take advantage of the myriad of opportunities to work with these researchers while completing their medical training.
This comprehensive, flexible, and integrated program is designed for physicians who are committed to a research-based academic career. The ABIM Research Pathway consists of a two-year residency in internal medicine followed by subspecialty training with additional dedicated time for research. Faculty guidance is provided immediately upon entry into the program and continued throughout residency and fellowship. We are committed to training and nurturing physician-scientists by providing them with all the necessary tools for launching successful careers in academic medicine. Graduates of our research track have an exceptional track record of achieving National Institutes of Health career development awards and independent funding.
To complement their formal education, developing academic physician-scientists need postgraduate training, both in clinical medicine and research. The result is a personally tailored, integrated training program that takes advantage of the strong clinical tradition in the Department of Medicine and the strength of the research programs in this department and throughout the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Residents are encouraged to continue their training in one of Mount Sinai’s premier fellowship programs, but are given flexibility to apply to other fellowships if desired.
Residents in this pathway receive individualized mentorship from the Director of the Physician-Scientist Residency Program to ensure they meet their clinical milestones, and connect with our research faculty in their field of interest. The physician-scientist trainees in this pathway have the opportunity to present at our Department of Medicine Research Conference, attend our institution-wide Physician-Scientist Career Development Series, and network with our current and former physician-scientist trainees.
Candidates with exceptionally strong research credentials, or graduates of MD/PhD and MD/MPH programs, are encouraged to apply to this program. Note that the Physician-Scientist ABIM Research Pathway has a separate National Resident Matching Program number from the Categorical Residency Program in Internal Medicine. Please contact Emily Gallagher, MD, PhD, Director of the Physician-Scientist Residency Program, with any questions.
Housestaff Story
Recent graduate, Class of 2022
I wouldn't say I'm a Mount Sinai lifer just yet (I've been here for 10 years—but who's counting?), but I can see why when people come here, they tend to stay. What initially brought me here when I started my MD/PhD program was the incredible science. What led me to choose to stay for residency was the people, from the administration to the faculty mentors to the fellows/residents and, of course, to the patients. We see such high acuity and complex patients here, but while that may sound daunting, there's so much support from your seniors and attendings that it is never unmanageable. Halfway through intern year, you'll be so surprised at how much you've learned and how far you've come from those first few days in July when you were frantically looking up how to dose Tylenol.
The research pathway is an excellent track for aspiring physician-scientists who already have focused research-based interests and career goals. I already knew I wanted to lead my own translational cancer immunology lab, so finishing residency in two years to go right into hematology/oncology fellowship training was the right choice for me. Dr. Gallagher, who is the director of the research track, is there to guide you every step of the way, including connecting you to potential mentors and helping you with your fellowship applications. Research is embedded deep into our culture here, from the development of new drugs in the lab, to the testing of those therapies in our large clinical trials program, to the discussions on the evidence behind their uses on morning rounds. I consider myself very fortunate to work in such a supportive academic environment.