What is Physician-Scientist

Many notable biomedical research accomplishments have been made by physician-scientists holding only a traditional MD degree. However, the swift pace of advances in the biological sciences leaves medical school graduates without the science background needed to match the backgrounds of well-trained basic scientists. In addition, financial pressures make it difficult for academic health centers to release young physicians from patient care responsibilities when they are launching their research career. New physicians find it increasingly difficult to take the time to gain the additional training required as they face the need to begin repaying educational debt. The development of dual MD-PhD programs helps overcome these barriers by providing extensive training in the basic sciences, mentored research training, and financial support that allows graduates to end their training with much less education-related debt. This chapter provides a framework for helping students discover the physician-scientist career and for guiding them through the challenging application process.