APSA Newsletter - Phi Psi » 2011 Fall, Volume 6, No. 2 » What the Future Holds for Us—From the Horse’s Mouth!

What the Future Holds for Us—From the Horse’s Mouth!

Sean Smirnov, University of Massachusetts Medical School,

• Login or become a member to post comments

Trying to determine what the future holds for physician-scientists, I had the opportunity to interview Professor Tony Carruthers, PhD, the Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.  To relieve the pressure, let me end the suspense: a very bright future awaits MD/PhD graduates!

According to the Dean, as advances in biological science make it harder for the rigor of the science curriculum in medical school to keep pace, the demand for physician-scientists with profound research training will grow. Population-oriented research – driven by quality-improvement efforts, a growing need for successful clinical research, and increased access to statistical data due to the implementation of electronic medical record systems would significantly contribute to this demand for MD/PhD trainees capable of combining clinical knowledge and skills with refined knowledge and expertise in scientific methodology.  “At the University of Massachusetts, we recognize the importance of physician-scientists much more than we did 20 years ago,” the Dean said.