The Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) in the Department of Radiation Oncology is committed to training the next generation of physician-scientist leaders in radiation oncology. The program focuses on providing support, mentorship, and research experience through the clinical and postdoctoral training years, culminating in a trainee who is highly competitive for investigator-track academic radiation oncology faculty positions.
Although the radiation oncology residency program includes time for research training, which can be extended through the Holman Research Pathway, the department recognizes that training for a career as an independent investigator can require additional research time and support. The department supports PSTP trainees for up to three additional years of protected research time after completing residency training.
The PSTP combines the intensive clinical training environment of Barnes-Jewish Hospital and its affiliates with rigorous research training in laboratories at Washington University. Trainees choose a research mentor from any of the 2,700 faculty members, representing a range of disciplines including cancer biology, microbiology, biomedical engineering, immunobiology, genomics, computational sciences, cell biology and biochemistry.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include graduates with a combined MD-PhD degree or an MD degree and a strong record of research experience. Applicants must fulfill all eligibility requirements for radiation oncology training. The most competitive candidates will have a strong commitment to a research career in academic medicine and an outstanding academic and research record.
Application
Application to this program requires a secondary application, in addition to the standard ERAS residency application. Those interested in applying for the PSTP must apply for a residency position through ERAS first and if selected to interview, will be provided more PSTP-specific information and a supplemental application. To obtain additional information, you may contact PSTP program director for the Department of Radiation Oncology, Julie Schwarz MD, PhD at jschwarz@wustl.edu.
Current PSTP Trainees
William Lo, MD, PhD
lo.w@wustl.edu
Hometown
Toronto, Canada
Education
- MD, Health Sciences and Technology (HST) program: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (2019)
- PhD, Harvard Biophysics (HST Medical Engineering and Medical Physics stream): Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA (2017)
- Internship, internal medicine: BIDMC, Boston, MA (2020)
Publications: View Full List
Member of the Bergom Lab
LeMoyne Habimana-Griffin, MD, PhD
lemoyne@wustl.edu
Hometown
Alexandria, IN
Education
- BS, Biomedical and Electrical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (2011)
- PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in Saint Louis (2020)
- MD, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine (2020)
Publications: View Full List
Member of the Dantas Lab
“Wash U has a vibrant and collaborative community of physician scientists with staunch support from the highest levels of the institution, and most importantly, the leadership within the Department of Radiation Oncology. Wash U is at the frontier of new technologies and a leader in clinical trial development and recruitment. But above all, the people in our department are amazing and we take excellent care of our patients.”
LeMoyne Habimana-Griffin, MD, PhD
Vlad Sviderskiy, MD, PhD
Hometown
Richmond, VA
Education
- PhD, NYU Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences (2020)
- MD, NYU Grossman School of Medicine (2022)
- Transitional Year, Memorial Sloan Kettering (2023)
Publications: View Full List
Member of the Vindigni Lab
Program Highlights
- Opportunity to work in any appropriate laboratory at Washington University
- Structured faculty and peer mentorship from the PSTP program beginning PGY-2
- Support from the larger PSTP Community and WUSTL Division of Physician Scientists
- Mentored support throughout training toward attainment of K08/equivalent
- Mentorship in grant writing and successful competition for junior faculty awards
- Preparation for job talks and negotiations for a successful career as an independent physician scientist