In many ways, physician-scientists epitomize the overarching mission of academic medicine and its components of research, education, and clinical care. Physician-scientists are uniquely positioned to explore and understand the complexities of human health and disease; identify and develop new treatments and therapies; communicate new knowledge to colleagues in their fields of expertise as well as the broader public; and shape policies and practices that guide medical research, teaching and training, and the delivery of care.

Here at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, the Physician-Scientist Training Pathway (PSTP) provides the framework, collaboration, and resources to develop medical professionals who excel in the laboratory, in the clinic, and at the bedside. Under the leadership of David Stoltz, M.D., Ph.D.; Joel Kline, M.D.; and Lyndsay Harshman, M.D., the PSTP at Iowa strengthens the training of early-career physician-scientists by integrating existing medical residency and fellowship programs with outstanding postdoctoral training in basic, translational, clinical, and health services research.

Advances in medicine often are driven by individuals with complementary skill sets—a doctor’s personal experience in caring for patients and an investigator’s perspective on how research can ultimately inform and improve care. The PSTP at Iowa provides opportunities for collaborative education and training that will serve physician-scientists throughout their careers and serve society for years to come.