Physician-Scientist Training Program
The UNC Department of Psychiatry has a rich tradition of integrating clinical care with clinical, translational, global public health, health services, and basic neuroscience research. With nearly $22 million in external research funding ($20 million from NIH FY2023), UNC Psychiatry currently ranks in the top 3 for NIH Research funding among departments within UNC School of Medicine, and 15th for Departments of Psychiatry across the United States. UNC’s basic science departments are nationally ranked and committed to working with physicians. Further, the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC is the 2nd ranked school of public health in the nation and a fertile source of mentors for Physician-Scientist trainees pursuing high impact epidemiology research.
Indeed, physician-scientists in the Department have thrived in a collegial environment that supports multidisciplinary research both within the Department and across the many UNC Departments, Centers, and Schools they work and collaborate with.
The Physician-Scientist Training Program combines excellent clinical training with intensive mentorship in the conduct of innovative research and provides a solid foundation for an academic research career.
Key aspects of the Physician-Scientist Program:
- The program is open up to 2 residents per year.
- Applicants with an MD-PhD, MD-MPH or an MD with an extensive research background are encouraged to apply.
Faculty Mentorship Disciplines include:
- alcohol and substance abuse
- eating disorders
- global mental health
- neurodevelopment disorders
- neuromodulation
- psychotic disorders
- women’s mood disorders
The Department of Psychiatry commitment to PSTP scholars will include:
- Protected time for research activities – 20% in PGY2 and 50% time in PGY3 and PGY4
- $50,000 per resident to support research activities and travel to professional meetings
- Monthly professional development seminars, including grant writing and career planning
- Opportunities to participate in scientific and professional development seminars and journal clubs across the School of Medicine
Program Leadership:
The program is led by Brad Gaynes, MD, MPH, Director of Research Training and John Gilmore, MD, Vice Chair for Research.
PSTP Supplemental Application Form
Application Deadline by September 30, 2024
If you have any questions, we are happy to talk to you by email or phone.
- UNC Psychiatry PSTP Co-Director – Brad Gaynes, MD, MPH – bradley_gaynes@med.unc.edu or 919-445-0206
- UNC Psychiatry PSTP Co-Director – John Gilmore MD – john_gilmore@med.unc.edu or 919-445-0209
- UNC Psychiatry PSTP Coordinator – Alicia Hanchock – alicia_hanchock@med.unc.edu or 919-445-0206
When you have decided to apply; please do the following:
- Apply through ERAS as a Physician Scientist applicant, please also indicate whether you would like to be considered to match in the categorical program.
- Provide a specific and detailed letter of recommendation from your previous research mentor, if not included in your ERAS application.
- Applicants for the PSTP must complete a supplemental application form that includes:
* Application deadline by September 30, 2024.- A synopsis of your previous research experience including a description of the project and its significance as well as your contributions to the work.
- A list of awards and grants you have received recognizing your research accomplishments.
- A list of peer reviewed publications that are published or accepted.
- A list of manuscripts that are under review or in preparation.
- A list of PIs at UNC you are considering as a research mentor.
- Indicate your interest in the Research Scientist Training Program in your ERAS application.
- Email supplemental application and letter of recommendation to:
- Physician Scientist Program Co-Directors: Brad Gaynes, MD, MPH (bradley_gaynes@med.unc.edu) and John Gilmore (john_gilmore@med.unc.edu)
- PSTP Coordinator: Alicia Hanchock – alicia_hanchock@med.unc.edu
- Applicants selected for consideration will be asked to participate in two interview sessions:
- First Round Interview: the General Psychiatry Residency interview session coordinated by the Psychiatry Residency Education Office
- Second Round Interview: the Physician Scientist Training Program interview session coordinated by the PSTP Coordinator.
A description of the General Psychiatry Residency Program can be found here.