Pediatric Physician-Scientist Training Program (PPSTP)

The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Michigan is strongly committed to the development of the next generation of academic pediatric physician scientists. The University of Michigan Pediatric Physician Scientist Training Program (PPSTP) is offered as a mechanism to encourage and develop Pediatric Residents who are committed to a research career. Applicants with advanced degrees such as M.P.H. or PhD are encouraged to apply, but an advanced degree is not required for participation in the PPSTP.

The PPSTP allows dedicated research time during residency for participation in research projects mentored by faculty at the University of Michigan. The Department supports science broadly and has established this program to support the career development of residents interested in health services, clinical, translational, and basic science research. The PPSTP is endorsed and supported by the Chair, all Division Directors, and all Fellowship Directors in the Department.

Program Tracks

  • Integrated Research Pathway (IRP) - 3y Residency with 2 clinical years and 1 research year (10 blocks). Research months would replace clinical electives. IRP participants must receive American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) approval prior to 9 months into HO1 year. There is no formal integration with a fellowship program in this track.
  • Accelerated Research Pathway (ARP) - 2y Residency and 4y Fellowship with extra research year during fellowship. ABP approval must be obtained prior to 9 months into HO1 year. This is closely coordinated with Division and Fellowship Directors and the match is still required for fellowship.
  • Combined Pediatrics and Medical Genetics - Resident applicants who are interested in a Physician-scientist pathway can participate in the PPSTP but would train under that program's timeline. Visit the Training Programs in Clinical Genetics website to learn more. 

Program Benefits

  • PPSTP fellows are assigned a faculty mentor aligned with their research and/or clinical aspirations in the HO1 year. The PPSTP faculty mentor may not necessarily be the research project mentor but will help with career guidance. Mentors from faculty outside the Department are welcome.
  • PPSTP fellow specific conferences on career development
  • Grant opportunities for research supplies and support.
  • Access to core facilities and equipment in the Department of Pediatrics
  • Financial support for research supplies/costs up to $15,000 based on each individual's needs and goals.
  • Assistance in the Transition to Fellowship/Faculty Programs

Applying to the Program

Eligible candidates for the PPSTP are those who have completed medical school and are committed to a career that incorporates significant time dedicated to research. Applicants should have significant prior research experience that may include an additional advanced degree (such as Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S.);an advanced degree beyond an M.D. is not required. Applicants should apply to the Categorical Pediatric Residency Program or Medical Genetics/ Pediatrics Residency Program at the University of Michigan and will be asked to submit a supplementary PPSTP application when invited to interview

  • Applications to these Residency Programs should be submitted through ERAS.
  • After ERAS applications have been reviewed, the Residency Program will contact qualified individuals to schedule interviews and a brief supplemental application for the PPSTP will be requested for those interested in the program.
  • Supplemental PPSTP interviews will be scheduled during the Residency Program Interviews based on the applicant’s research and fellowship interest.
  • Applicants will either rank the Medical Genetics/ Pediatrics Residency (if applicable) or rank the PPSTP track for the Categorical Pediatrics Residency. Applicants also have the option to rank the regular track for the Categorical Residency if desired.
  • Applicants to the PPSTP will rank the PPSTP track through the NRMP.

Additional Information

Questions about the PPSTP or inquiries about eligibility should be sent by email to Suzanne Dawid, M.D., Ph.D., PPSTP Director, or to Heather Burrows, M.D. Ph.D., Residency Program Director.