Are you insatiably curious? Chase breakthroughs with us

Our future physician-scientists are among our community of strong residents and fellows. We offer programs and funding to attract the strongest research-oriented talent to UCLA and develop them to build competencies in clinical research, basic science research, and health service research.

Dr. Olujimi Ajijola, left, with Edward Jean-Louis and Christine Frye and Emily Duncan, who performed CPR on Jean-Louis after he collapsed on the basketball court in 2016.

Trailblazer Spotlight

DR. OLUJIMI AJIJOLA

Treating cardiac sudden death syndrome when every second counts.

Read the full story

Some of these programs are listed below and you can apply to them either during or before joining your program at UCLA.

STAR Program

A unique program for clinical fellowship and some residency applicants to receive mentored research training and/or a graduate degree (PhD, MPH or MS) in conjunction with their clinical training.

See the STAR program

Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) Physician-Scientist Training Program

A 2-year add-on to a clinical fellowship program with a focus on basic science or translational basic science research to build a career bridge for aspiring physician-scientists who don’t have a PhD degree.

Learn more about BWF

UCLA National Clinician Scholars Program (NCSP)

A post-doctoral program for early-career physicians participating in an intensive, highly-customized, two-year program that places them in community settings to conduct priority research directly benefiting the health of Southern California residents.

Explore the NCSP program

Master of Public Health for Health Professionals

Advanced executive-style training in community health, health education, and health promotion for professionals including MDs who seek enhanced skills in program planning, implementation, and evaluation.

 Learn About MPH Opportunity

Master of Science in Clinical Research

A 2-3 year program with two-track sin research/clinical trials and Biomedical Informatics.

Explore MS Opportunities

Funding Opportunities

Mentorship and Counseling

Residents and fellows interested in a career as a physician-scientist are encouraged to contact DGSOM’s Office of Physician-Scientist Career Development.

For more information, please contact mdscientistsprgm@mednet.ucla.edu for office hours and appointments.

Education and Training Programs

As part of CTSI’s TL1 program, residents and fellows may apply for postdoctoral training in Clinical Informatics or Health Policy & Management. See more about CTSI’s TL1 program


ResearchGo

A platform with resources, expertise, and best practices for investigators, study staff, and partners/affiliates.
See more about ResearchGo


K and R Grant Tips and Resources

Grant writing workshops, tips, and resources for residents, fellows, and junior faculty members. 
See more about Grant Tips and Resources

Dermatology (research track)

As part of UCLA STAR program, this 4-year residency is designed for MD/PhDs who would like to combine their dermatology training with a postdoctoral opportunity. 
See more about Dermatology (research track)


Emergency Medicine (research track)

Our program is committed to providing the highest quality medical education by exposing trainees to a diverse and wide breadth of experiences. 
See more about Emergency Medicine (research track)


Internal Medicine STAR-Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP)

Our program goal is to support physician-scientists in accessing research experience during residency training to maintain their investigative skills.
See more about STAR and STAR-PSTP


EyeSTAR

A 5-6 year program combining a 3-year clinical residency with a PhD or postdoctoral program to facilitate a transition to an academic career in ophthalmology. 
See more about EyeSTAR


Pediatric Residency Physician-Scientist Program (PSP)

An opportunity to participate in a training pathway that will prepare up to 2 per year qualified candidates for an academic career in Pediatrics. 
See more about PSP


Psychiatry (research track)

Primarily available to candidates with MD/PhD backgrounds (2 per year) and providing protected time for research during PGY-3 and 4. 
See more →