Physician Scientist Training Pathway (PSTP)

Program Details Admissions & Applications Program Scholars

The Stead Family Department of Pediatrics is one of eight departments that participate in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine’s Physician Scientist Training Pathway (PSTP) Program.

The PSTP promotes the training and early career development of physician scientists who will become future leaders in academic medicine. The Pathway integrates the transition period from completion of MD degree through residency, subspecialty fellowship training and an individualized training plan in basic or clinical postdoctoral research.

Across the nation, there are only 30 pediatric departments that offer the PSTP. Under the leadership of Lyndsay Harshman, MD, MS, our Pathway demonstrates our department’s commitment to fostering the career development of trainees for an academic career.

Although prior research experience is desirable, we welcome anyone with a research interest to consider applying. We pride our program on mentoring and growing researchers!

Fellows in the UI Stead Family Department of Pediatrics who have an interest in a career as a physician scientist are encouraged to consider applying for the Pediatric Scientist Development Program (PSDP).

Applications are open for the current residency application cycle, and will be accepted until December 1 of each year. Individuals interested in the Pediatric PSTP should apply today!

Program details

How to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many resident candidates are selected for PSTP?

A. We can designate up to four residents per year.

Q. What research support is available for PSTP trainees at Iowa?

A. PSTP trainees receive:

An additional $4,000 per year for research-related expenses, available to trainees in both residency and fellowship
Monthly PSTP-specific seminars with other PSTP trainees at UI Health Care. These seminars are focused on research-specific skills with an emphasis on career development.
Access (at no cost!) to a scientific editor

Q. Are the ABP research pathways available at your program?

A. Yes! We offer both the integrative and accelerated pathways.

Q. Who is able to do the IRP or ARP?

A. The decision to apply for these pathways is a joint process between the resident, the residency program director, and the PSTP director. Prior to applying, the resident must have demonstrated satisfactory clinical and professional skills. A primary research mentor also needs to be identified.

Q. How does the IRP impact the resident traning schedule?

A. The training plan is designed to fulfill the ABP's requirements for residency graduation specific to the individual pathway.

Our People

Lyndsay Harshman, MD, MS

Director, Pediatric Physician Scientist Training Program

Medical Director, Pediatric Kidney Transplant
Associate Professor of Pediatrics-Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation
Stead Family Scholar

lyndsay-harshman@uiowa.edu

Current Scholars

Anum Akbar, MBBS, PhD

Resident Physician

Medical school: People's University of Medical & Health Sciences for Women

Fellowship interest: Neonatology

Elle Anderson, MD, PhD

Resident Physician; ABP IRP Pathway

Medical school: South Dakota School of Medicine

Fellowship interest: Neonatal-Perinatal

Fulden Aycan, MD

Resident Physician

Medical school: Cukorova Universitesi

Fellowship interest: Neonatal-Perinatal

Dilara Mat, MD, PhD

Resident Physician

Medical school: Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Medical School

Fellowship interest: Neonatal-Perinatal

Karl McNamara, MB, ChB

Resident Physician

Medical school: University of Galway

Fellowship interest: Allergy/Immunology

Asmaa Mhanna, MD, PhD

Resident Physician

Medical school: Al-Quds University Faculty of Medicine Palestine

Fellowship interest: Child Neurology

Morgan Swanson, MD, PhD

Resident Physician

Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

Fellowship interest: General Pediatrics

Ryan Ward, MD, MS

Resident Physician; ABP IRP Pathway

Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

Fellowship interest: Nephrology

Graduates

Name	Residency	Fellowship
Catherina Pinnaro, MD	University of Iowa	University of Iowa, Endocrinology
Matthew Rysavy, MD, PhD	Univ. of Wisconsin/Univ. of Iowa	University of Iowa, Neonatal-Perinatal
Kamel Shibbani, MD	University of Iowa	University of Iowa, Cardiology
Jeremy Sandgren, MD, PhD	University of Iowa	University of Iowa, Neonatology
Yahya Almodallal, MBBS	University of Iowa	Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Hematology/Oncology
Zachary Rumlow, DO	University of Iowa	University of Michigan, Critical Care