UCLA STAR Program

The Specialty Training and Advanced Research (STAR) Program at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA provides aspiring physician-scientists formal, dedicated research training concurrent with clinical residency or fellowship for both MD-PhD graduates and for those wishing to obtain a PhD. 

Since 1993, the STAR Program at UCLA has been supporting physician-scientists with opportunities to obtain a PhD or engage in rigorous scientific training through advanced post-doctoral research in a supportive environment.  In this world-class research university setting, physician scientists receive protected research time, tuition, PGY salary, and dedicated mentorship from renowned faculty throughout the university.  Over 230 physician-scientists have completed the STAR Program, and about 80% remain in successful careers in academics, research, and biotech. STAR alumni successfully compete for federal research funding and are at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs that are advancing our understanding of medicine, research, and patient care.

Please feel free to contact our program office at STARProgram@mednet.ucla.edu.