Research Track

A unique and pioneering program that maximizes flexibility, with built-in time to pursue your research passions.

Our research track residency programs go beyond the core requirements by helping you build experiences tailored to your own research interests. This way, you can become a true specialist as a physician-scientist while you master clinical skills. Our cutting-edge program emphasizes flexibility, allowing for projects to grow and independent thinking to develop early on. You'll be nurtured by your mentor as well as a multidisciplinary advisory committee, with structured oversight on the grant submission process, furthering your chances of acceptance and higher funding levels.

Check out our video to hear from a recent alumn, a current resident, and program leadership. Our full brochure can be found here, and you can view the recording of our Sept. 18 virtual meet and greet here. On Oct. 26, we co-hosted a virtual networking event with the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; you can watch the recording here (password is ISMMS). 

You can also meet our current research track residents, see where our graduates are now, and check out the awards they've received.

We are currently accepting applicants for our NIMH-funded T32 Clinical Neuroscience Research Fellowship; visit the website for details. 

Physician-Scientist Program

This program is designed for applicants who have a demonstrated interest and aptitude in psychiatric research, as it provides substantial protected time for research throughout residency training. While it is not limited to MD/PhD applicants, priority is generally given to those who have participated in substantial research activities prior to residency. Learn about a current third-year resident here. We anticipate two positions in each entering class.

Residency + PhD Program

This groundbreaking, NIMH-supported program is the first and only one of its kind nationwide. Designed for residents ready to commit to both psychiatry and research, it offers a second path to MD/PhD training by longitudinally integrating clinical and research training over 7 years. We can accept one resident per year for this program. Current PGY-1s may also transfer into this track, from within our residency or from elsewhere.

*We will not be offering a position in the Residency and PhD track for the class starting in July 2023, but we encourage you to reach out regarding many available research opportunities for residents.

Our Research Environment

Per the most recent NIH funding ranking data available (from 2021), our Department of Neuroscience is #2 in the US as ranked by federal funding, and our Department of Psychiatry is #7, with individual investigators listed among the top funded PIs. Our institutes and centers of excellence include the Friedman Brain Institute (led by Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD), the Seaver Autism Center (led by Joseph D. Buxbaum, PhD), the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (led by Mary Sano, PhD), and the Psychosis Program (led by Dolores Malaspina, MD, MS, MSPH ).

Program Directors

Antonia S. New, MD
Residency Training Director
Vice Chair for Education & Program Director
Professor of Psychiatry
antonia.new@mssm.edu

M. Mercedes Perez-Rodriguez, MD, PhD
Associate Training Director for Research
Medical Director of the Psychosis Research Integrating Science and Medicine (PRISM) Program
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Social Cognition Section Co-Chief, Center For Affective Neuroscience
mercedes.perez@mssm.edu

Asher B. Simon, MD
Associate Director of Residency Training
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
asher.simon@mssm.edu