More than ever, we need doctors who are competent at both the lab bench and the hospital bedside. The Ohio State University College of Medicine has a long history of supporting and training physician scientists through structured programs in medical school and residency to help this important cohort develop their careers, while pursuing novel disease prevention and treatment strategies. 

Ohio State’s Physician-Scientist Education and Training is committed to facilitating the success of the early-stage physician scientist and ensure they experience holistic support throughout their multi-year training process. We mentor, support and train our talent to pursue independent funding so they have the skillset to transition into an independent faculty position.  

Our recent efforts to broaden the number of “on ramps” for physicians who are interested in integrating research into their clinical training is novel. It promotes a strong physician-scientist culture and includes detailed tracking of progression through the use of an Individual Monitoring Plan, which defines, aligns and celebrates learners’ academic, research and professional  competencies and key milestones.

We are an important leader in the broader national effort to retain and support early-career physician scientists, support women and underrepresented faculty and address racism in the academic environment. Our institution recently received funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation — in concert with the American Heart Association, the Burroughs Welcome Fund, the John Templeton Foundation, the Rita Allen Foundation, and the Walder Foundation — to specifically support physician-scientists whose research and careers have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This grant support signifies a cultural shift aimed at offering institutional support to prevent derailment of physician-scientist careers impacted by COVID-19 and other such stressors that arise when “life happens.” 

Read more about the first four Doris Duke Charitable Foundation grant awardees.

Together, we will ensure the U.S. remains the world’s leader in biomedical research due to the contributions of the nation’s physician-scientist workforce.