Training Opportunities for Physician Scientists (TOPS)
TOPS helps medical students and residents navigate research residencies, Physician-Scientist Training Programs (PSTPs), and dual-degree career paths — connecting them directly with the program directors, fellows, and clinician-scientists who can answer their questions.
Why the Committee Exists
TOPS exists to demystify the path from medical training into a research-intensive career. It gives students and residents considering research residencies, PSTPs, and dual-degree career paths a direct line to the people already on that path — connecting them with program directors, current fellows, and practicing clinician-scientists who can speak to what the training actually involves.
How the Committee Helps
TOPS runs a recurring virtual discussion series alongside standalone Q&A webinars and interactive sessions, each built around direct conversation with people currently in — or recently through — physician-scientist training.
Virtual Discussion Series
Ongoing sessions for students exploring research residencies, held throughout the application cycle.
Q&A Webinars
Focused, time-boxed sessions where students can ask PSTP directors and trainees questions directly.
Interactive Sessions
Panel-style events featuring active clinician-scientists sharing how they built their own paths.