The Physician Scientist Scholars Program (PSSP) is a structured, multiyear, cohort-based initiative designed to support early career physician-scientists in the critical transition toward research independence. Tailored for individuals within two years of completing residency or fellowship training, this program equips scholars with the skills, mentorship, and resources to become productive early career investigators and lays the groundwork for long, successful careers as independent investigators.

PSSP cohorts are chosen annually via program application. Applicants must be at the assistant professor rank, with a basic translational research focus, and a minimum of .50 research FTE. Priority is given to tenure track and/or newly recruited faculty. Applications undergo a rigorous and competitive screening process conducted by senior faculty physician-scientists, ensuring the most promising scholars are selected based on their qualifications, research potential, and alignment with program goals.

A small cohort of promising physician-scientists is selected to participate in this four-year program, which includes:

• Special topics workshops focused on key areas of physician-scientist development
• Regular meetings to foster peer and mentor engagement
• Networking opportunities to strengthen connection to the Ohio State physician-scientist community
• Specialized workshops and resources, including individualized scientific writing consultation
• Individualized mentorship from experienced, funded investigators
• Interdisciplinary collaboration to establish new partnerships across departments, divisions, and disciplines to drive innovation and efficiency

By the end of the program, participants will have developed and submitted competitive K/R-level grant applications. The goal is for each physician-scientist scholar to emerge with a funded grant and a strong foundation for a successful, independent research career.