2026 Annual Meeting NACST

National Association of Clinician Scientist Training Conference

Adapting to Thrive: Physician-Scientist Training in a Shifting Landscape

Monday, July 14, 2026 Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ · Bethesda, MD 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
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5 Program Sessions
11 Hours of Programming
1 Keynote Lunch Speaker
2 Networking Breaks
1 Shapiro Award Ceremony

Program Agenda

Monday, July 14, 2026
9:00–9:05
Opening
Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:05–10:15
Session I
NIH Priorities & T32 Strategy
With the restructuring of MSTP T32 peer review under centralized CSR study sections, this session integrates an NIH/NIGMS update with practical guidance on crafting competitive applications and navigating evolving review criteria.
10:15–10:35
Break
Refreshment & Networking Break
10:35–11:15
Session II
Postgraduate Physician-Scientist Training Update
Examining emerging models for non-traditional specialties, flexible research training phases, and the role of the R38 mechanism in supporting the postgraduate transition beyond traditional PSTP tracks.
11:15–12:00
Session III
MD/PhD Outcomes & Workforce Data
National workforce trends, benchmarking tools for monitoring applicant pipelines, and data-driven approaches to program sustainability and outcomes tracking.
12:00–1:00
Keynote Lunch
Keynote Luncheon Address
Remarks on the current priorities of the National Institutes of Health, the future of the physician-scientist workforce, and the NIH's commitment to supporting combined-degree training programs.
JB
Dr. Jayanta "Jay" Bhattacharya, MD, PhD
18th Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
1:00–1:45
Session IV
Admissions Update & Yield Challenges
Data-driven approaches to admissions strategy and yield optimization in an increasingly competitive landscape, with benchmarking tools for monitoring program applicant pipelines.
1:45–2:15
Lightning Talks
Lightning Talks
Short-form presentations from directors and administrators sharing program innovations, preliminary data, and institutional best practices.
2:15–2:30
Break
Refreshment & Networking Break
2:30–3:30
Session V
Best Practices in Advising on Specialty Selection
Structured peer-to-peer discussion on advising MD-PhD students through specialty choice — including the role of research fit, training pathway options, and career viability in different specialties.
Concurrent: Administrator Programming — T32 compliance, operational networking & shared administrative problem-solving
3:30–3:45
Closing
Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks
3:45–6:00
Social
Networking & Free Time
6:00–8:00
Awards Dinner
NACST Dinner & Shapiro Award Ceremony
Annual dinner celebrating the NACST community, culminating in the presentation of the Shapiro Award for excellence in physician-scientist training.

Venue & Registration

Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ

Address
7707 Woodmont Avenue · Bethesda, MD 20814
Date
Monday, July 14, 2026
Program Hours
9:00 AM – 3:45 PM · Evening dinner 6:00–8:00 PM
Parking & Transit
Directly on the Red Line Metro (Bethesda station). Valet parking available on-site. A short walk to Bethesda Row and Marriott International's headquarters.
Registration

Register through Eventbrite. Questions about registration or the program may be directed to the NACST organizing committee.

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For questions, comments, or more information contact mdphdassociation@gmail.com