Objective: Promote the training and early career development of physician-scientists interested in a research-focused academic career.
Goal: The ultimate goal is to foster the career development of trainees by facilitating their transition to independence as physician-scientists.
It is anticipated that, after completing the Iowa PSTP, trainees will be highly sought-after as candidates for faculty positions at academic institutions with a strong research focus.
Structure
The postgraduate training objectives and career goals of each trainee are unique. To facilitate the development of an individualized training plan, trainees will meet regularly with the program director and appropriate faculty to assist with choices regarding elective clinical rotations, subspecialty fellowship, postdoctoral research mentor, and additional training.
The training plan will be individualized according to the career goals of the trainee and specific requirements for board eligibility in the chosen medical specialty. A typical course of training will last five to seven years and may include training in a primary specialty (e.g. Internal Medicine or Pediatrics), a clinical subspecialty, and two to three years of postdoctoral research training.
Sample PSTP Training Plans
| Department | Internal Medicine or Pediatrics | Pathology |
| Residency Training | 2 years | 3-4 years |
| Subspecialty Clinical Fellowship | 1-2 years | 1 year |
| Basic or Clinical Research Training | 3 years | 1-2 years |
| Ambulatory Clinic During Research Training | 1/2 days/week | N/A |
| Total Training | 6-8 years | 5-7 years |