The University's record in producing medical academicians is particularly striking. Surveys conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges over the last several years consistently show Chicago among the top three in the nation as a producer of teachers in the biological sciences, including medicine. The division is a major trainer of academic physicians. Among the many opportunities for combining graduate education with medical studies is the Medical Scientist Training Program supported by the National Institute for General Medical Sciences of the NIH and the Pediatrics Growth and Development Training Grant is supported by The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Twelve to fourteen students are selected yearly to enter it.
Most trainees require eight years to complete both degrees.
The program is designed for students who wish to prepare themselves for careers in academic medicine. It combines the breadth of an excellent medical education with the depth of a rigorous graduate program in basic science. Graduate studies are normally pursued in the departments and committees of the biological sciences. Awards are usually made for twelve-month periods with renewal of support dependent on satisfactory progress in the program. Trainees are required to pursue MSTP studies on a full-time basis.