Overview
University at Buffalo Medical Scientist Training Program Combines MD, PhD Programs to Create Potent Health Scientists
The University at Buffalo (SUNY) Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) operates on the principle that "translational science" is the future of medicine, and the most effective means to advance healthcare by turning basic research into effective, available treatments. The MSTP is a state-of-the-art approach to clinical research, and its reliance on solid science and multidisciplinary techniques defines the field of translational medicine today. Small class size makes possible a tremendous amount of individual guidance, and the camaraderie engendered in such settings helps create an environment rich with learning opportunities. The MSTP puts a premium on both heart and mind, balancing the cerebral side of logic, study, reason, and the scientific method with the compassion that motivates students to the practice of medicine.
For graduate students who wish to focus on "bench-to-bedside" research, the program is ideally designed, with the widest possible view of the relationship between research and affordable, available healthcare treatments. A small class size of about 25 to 30 students facilitates collegiality and camaraderie, and assures students of individual guidance and personalized attention via their choice of a thesis mentor. The future for MSTP graduates can range from success in academia to leadership of new translational research initiatives at medical schools, research institutions, "health technology" firms, and teaching hospitals. From the research laboratory to the small storefront clinic, the advances anticipated in this field in the near future can truly change the nature of healthcare delivery for everyone on the planet, particularly as graduates of the program move into various educational, research, and governmental institutions and agencies.
For graduate students who wish to focus on "bench-to-bedside" research, the program is ideally designed, with the widest possible view of the relationship between research and affordable, available healthcare treatments. A small class size of about 25 to 30 students facilitates collegiality and camaraderie, and assures students of individual guidance and personalized attention via their choice of a thesis mentor. The future for MSTP graduates can range from success in academia to leadership of new translational research initiatives at medical schools, research institutions, "health technology" firms, and teaching hospitals. From the research laboratory to the small storefront clinic, the advances anticipated in this field in the near future can truly change the nature of healthcare delivery for everyone on the planet, particularly as graduates of the program move into various educational, research, and governmental institutions and agencies.
University-Affiliated Facilities Bring Additional Power to MSTP's Research Role and Plug Patients into the Discoveries
Graduate students in the MSTP can avail themselves of the many research opportunities available at the university. In addition to undertaking research rotations with faculty of various disciplines, they can also focus on in-depth research projects under the guidance of their mentors. The many existing and continuously developing interdisciplinary research opportunities are a direct result of creative collaborations among various, diverse departmental faculty. Campus research efforts bring together graduate students, faculty, and postdoctoral fellows with incredibly diverse backgrounds in medicine, epidemiology, biological sciences, nutrition, and social sciences.
The university has extremely well equipped research facilities that contribute to first-rate graduate student training. State-of-the-art instrumentation and leading-edge equipment is available in numerous locations on campus, from an NMR spectrometer to electron microscopes and a range of phosphorimaging systems. The MSTP also leverages the university's extensive computer resources, comprising high-end workstations as well as the latest generation of desktop microcomputers. In addition, research facilities can take advantage of mainframe computer access to provide requisite computational power to the MSTP graduate students.
Exciting research opportunities are available to MSTP students at university-affiliated facilities including research labs, hospitals, and healthcare systems. This allows for a much broader, more comprehensive research effort than could be undertaken at a single university-based medical center.
The four major health systems of western New York (Buffalo General Health System, Millard Fillmore Health System, Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, and DeGraff Memorial Hospital) operate under the umbrella Kaleida Health organization. Full-time faculty members from the university maintain both offices and labs at three of these four university-affiliated facilities. The Erie County Medical Center, a modern and automated facility, has dedicated 150 of its 490 beds to the medical staff teaching program, with particular focus on the coronary and intensive care units.
The nearby Veterans Administration Medical Center provides surgical, general medical, and mental health services. In addition, it has dedicated an entire wing to active research in immunology, clinical oncology, renal disease, and other areas, led once again by full-time UB faculty. The Catholic Health System of Buffalo includes seven hospitals, with two of them offering residency training and research for MSTP graduate students. The Roswell Park Cancer Institute is another of the university-affiliated facilities offering specialized training and research facilities for the MSTP student body.
