Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Scientist Training Program

The Interdisciplinary Scientist Training Program (ISTP) is the doctoral program of the University of Chicago’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). The goal of the NIH-supported MD/PhD program is to train the next generation of physician-scientist leaders. Graduates of the MSTP are awarded a MD from the Pritzker School of Medicine and a PhD from the Interdisciplinary Scientist Training Program (ISTP).

Program Overview

MSTP students take graduate courses and perform their PhD thesis work under the umbrella of the ISTP. This novel, highly adaptable program allows students full access to the superb graduate programs within the Division of the Biological Sciences, the Division of the Physical Sciences, and the Pritzker School for Molecular Engineering. Via their specialization, the ISTP allows students to pursue training in one field or to craft a unique course of study that integrates two classical disciplines.

Program of Study

The goal of the Interdisciplinary Scientist Training Program is to train the next generation of physician-scientist leaders. Our program is designed to provide all ISTP students with rigorous scientific training that prepares them to excel in their field of interest, while providing the flexibility to forge new connections between traditional scientific areas.

Curriculum

• In the Summer Quarter, prior to the start of medical school, incoming students begin an MSTP-only anatomy course, and finish the course with their medical school colleagues in August.
• During the Autumn, Winter, and Spring Quarters, students take graduate school courses in addition to their medical school courses.
• Typically, a total of 3-5 graduate school courses will be finished by the end of the first year.
• The MSTP Faculty Associate Director for Curriculum will meet individually with each student every quarter before registration for the coming quarter to determine which course will best ensure that the student is adequately prepared to embark on their graduate work when they join a lab.

Lab Rotations and Journal Club

• Each ISTP student completes two lab rotations during the summer between their first and second year.
• These rotations allow students to identify their future PhD mentors in their area of interest.
• All first year ISTP students participate in the Topics Journal Club course.
• This course provides an in-depth primary-literature based examination of basic science courses that complement the Pritzker curriculum, and allows students to develop an appreciation for the primary literature, learn to critically evaluate articles, learn more about experimental design, learn how to evaluate and present an overview of a field, and become proficient in overall presentation skills.

Specializations

• ISTP requires students to choose an area of specialization, typically aligned somewhat with a graduate program, providing an additional intellectual community.
• Specializations, in general, consist of 5 courses: 3-4 that are programmatic, and 1-2 that are elective/basic advanced knowledge courses.
• However, some specializations require more coursework due to the nature of the research area.
• All courses will be graduate courses offered by an established PhD program.
• In addition to the coursework, specializations require that the student participate in programmatic activities such as research-in-progress, journal club, retreats (if available), seminar series, etc.
• All students must present their research yearly in a program-approved venue.

Breaking from Medical School to Complete Graduate Research

• At the University of Chicago, students in the MSTP have the flexibility to choose to break from medical school to pursue their graduate research in ISTP either after the first year of medical school or after Spring Quarter of their second year of medical school.
• Most students take 4 years to complete their PhD research and will successfully defend their dissertation prior to returning to medical school.

Admission

• Admission to the ISTP is exclusively through the joint application process with the Pritzker School of Medicine via the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
• Applicants cannot apply through the UChicago BSD graduate application process.

Interdisciplinary Scientist Training Courses

• ISTP 30420. Variable Topic Journal Club: Cell & Developmental Biology. 25 Units.
  • This course provides an in-depth primary-literature based examination of basic science courses taken as part of the Pritzker Initiative and allows students to develop an appreciation for the primary literature, learn to critically evaluate articles, learn more about experimental design, learn how to evaluate and present an overview of a field, and become proficient in overall presentation skills.
  • The topic for Autumn Quarter is Cell & Developmental Biology.
• ISTP 30440. Variable Topic Journal Club: Physiology. 25 Units.
  • This course provides an in-depth primary-literature based examination of basic science courses taken as part of the Pritzker Initiative and allows students to develop an appreciation for the primary literature, learn to critically evaluate articles, learn more about experimental design, learn how to evaluate and present an overview of a field, and become proficient in overall presentation skills.
  • The topic for this course during the 19-20 academic year is physiology.
• ISTP 30441. Variable Topic Journal Club: Grant Writing. 50 Units.
  • The purpose of this class will be to provide participants with skills necessary for writing successful grant proposals.
  • The class will emphasize how to craft hypotheses that are based on current published research and to develop rigorous experimental approaches to test these hypotheses.
• ISTP 30460. Variable Topic Journal Club: Statistics. 25 Units.
  • A thorough understanding of statistics is essential for both experimental design and data analysis.
  • Too often, time and resources are wasted due to a poor understanding of sample size and power calculations, and the reliability of scientific reports has repeatedly been scrutinized in recent years due to questionable, if not fraudulent, application of statistical tests.
• ISTP 40000. ISTP Thesis Research. 300.00 Units.
  • Independent research on variable topics in preparation for completing the dissertation.
• ISTP 42000. Topics in Data Analysis in Biomedical Research: Big Data. 75 Units.
  • Equivalent Course(s): MEDC 42000.

University of Chicago Summary

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Overview:

The University of Chicago is a prestigious research university located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. It is known for its rigorous academic programs, emphasis on independent thinking, and commitment to intellectual freedom. The university boasts a diverse community of scholars and students who contribute to groundbreaking research and advancements in various fields.

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The university offers a vibrant campus experience with a diverse community, access to arts and culture, and a strong connection to the surrounding South Side neighborhood. Students can expect a challenging academic environment that fosters independent thinking and critical analysis.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Rigorous academic programs:

The university is renowned for its challenging and intellectually stimulating curriculum.

Emphasis on independent thinking:

Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and engage in original research.

Intellectual freedom:

The university provides a supportive environment for faculty and students to pursue their research interests without limitations.

Field-defining research:

The university has a long history of groundbreaking research and discoveries that have shaped various fields.

Global impact:

The university is actively involved in addressing global challenges through research, initiatives, and programs across the world.

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The university is deeply connected to its surrounding community and invests in the South Side through initiatives in health, education, economic growth, and the arts. It also emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, fostering a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds.