Pediatric Physician-Scientist Training Program

Award #: 5T32HD043010

Predoc slots0
Postdoc slots4

The long-term objective of this program is to promote the career development of early-stage pediatric physician–scientists who will become future leaders in biomedical research focused on child health. The specific aims are to identify promising candidates at the completion of residency training or during fellowship and to provide them with three years of intensive, mentored research experience. Trainees work in the laboratory of a qualified mentor, receive protected time free from clinical and teaching responsibilities, and pursue a focused research agenda relevant to pediatrics.

During the initial funding period, the program supported ten outstanding trainees, including seven women and one individual from a group underrepresented in medicine. While the long-term objective and specific aims remain unchanged, the scope of the program has expanded significantly with the development of two distinct research pathways: basic science and clinical/translational science.

The program advances its mission by leveraging recent discoveries in genetic and genomic sciences to improve understanding of disease pathogenesis and treatment across a broad range of pediatric conditions. This effort draws upon the established investigative strengths of WashU Medicine and its Department of Pediatrics. A new emphasis, Pathway B, has been introduced to support training in clinical and translational genomic medicine, encompassing genetic epidemiology, biostatistics, and patient-oriented research.

Ultimately, the program is designed to bridge the gap between basic scientists and pediatric clinicians. By providing a structured, protected and intellectually rich training environment, the program enables talented and motivated young pediatricians to thrive and emerge as leaders in a rapidly evolving field. Its long-term impact will be realized as graduates contribute to — and assume leadership roles within — the pediatric physician–scientist workforce over the coming decades.

Principal investigators

Mentors

Program FacultyDepartment or InstitutionRole in Program
Arbeláez, Ana MariaPathology & ImmunologyMentor
Baldridge, MeganPathology & ImmunologyMentor
Brody, StevenMedicine / PulmonaryMentor
Bubeck Wardenburg, JulianePediatrics / Critical CareMentor
Colonna, MarcoPathology & ImmunologyMentor
Cooper, MeganPediatrics / RheumatologyMentor
Dantas, GautamPathology & ImmunologyMentor
DeBosch, BrianPediatrics/ GastroenterologyMentor
DiAntonio, AaronDevelopmental BiologyMentor
Dickson, PatriciaPediatrics / Genetics & Genomic MedicineMentor
Di Paola, JorgePediatrics / Hematology-OncologyMentor
Dutcher, SusanGeneticsMentor
Finck, BrianMedicine / Nutritional ScienceMentor
French, AnthonyPediatrics / RheumatologyMentor
Frolova, AntoninaObstetrics & GynecologyMentor
Gill, MichellePediatrics / Allergy & PulmonaryMentor
Goldberg, DanMedicine / Infectious DiseasesMentor
Gordon, JeffreyPathology & ImmunologyMentor
Guilak, FarshidOrthopedic SurgeryMentor
Gutmann, David H.NeurologyMentor
Hultgren, ScottMolecular MicrobiologyMentor
Humphreys, Benjamin D.Medicine / NephrologyMentor
Hunstad, DavidPediatrics / Infectious DiseasesMentor, Training Director
Kendall, PeggyMedicine / Allergy & ImmunologyMentor
Khader, ShabaanaMolecular MicrobiologyMentor
Kipnis, JonathanPathology & ImmunologyMentor
Kulkarni, HrishikeshMedicine / Pulmonary, Critical CareMentor
Lavine, Kory J.Medicine / CardiovascularMentor
Lenschow, DeborahMedicine / RheumatologyMentor
Ley, TimothyMedicine / Hematology & OncologyMentor
Link, Daniel C.Medicine / Hematology & OncologyMentor
Lopez, Carolina B.Molecular MicrobiologyMentor
Lowe, Mark E.Pediatrics / GastroenterologyMentor
Magee, JeffreyPediatrics / Hematology OncologyMentor
Milbrandt, JeffreyGeneticsMentor
Mitra, RobiGeneticsMentor
Mitreva, MakedonkaMedicine / Infectious DiseasesMentor
Morris, Samantha A.Developmental BiologyMentor
Nerbonne, JeanneDevelopmental BiologyMentor
Newberry, RodneyMedicine / GastroenterologyMentor
Nichols, Colin G.Cell Biology & PhysiologyMentor
Ornitz, David M.Developmental BiologyMentor
Perlmutter, DavidExecutive Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs and DeanMentor
Richards, LindaNeuroscienceMentor
Sardiello, MarcoPediatrics / Genetics & Genomic MedicineMentor
Schuettpelz, LauraPediatrics / Hematology & OncologyMentor
Silverman, Gary A.Pediatrics / Newborn MedicineMentor, PI/PD
Solnica-Krezel, LilaDevelopmental BiologyMentor
Stallings, ChristinaMolecular MicrobiologyMentor
Tarr, Phillip I.Pediatrics / GastroenterologyMentor
Wambach, JenniferPediatrics / Newborn MedicineMentor
Wang, DavidPathology & ImmunologyMentor
Yokoyama, WayneInternal Medicine / RheumatologyMentor