Physician-Scientist Training Program | Department of Emergency Medicine

The Physician-Scientist Training Program (PSTP) at UC Davis Emergency Medicine is designed for residents with a strong interest in scientific discovery and a commitment to pursuing an academic career. Whether your background includes an M.D.-Ph.D., a research-intensive medical education, or significant research experience, this program offers a tailored pathway to accelerate your development as an emergency care investigator.

PSTP integrates rigorous clinical training with protected research time, structured mentorship, and access to UC Davis’s rich research infrastructure. Our goal is to cultivate future leaders in emergency medicine who drive innovation through science.

Program Features

Annual PSTP Appointment: 1 resident selected per year
Research Support: $5,000/year for research-related expenses
Guaranteed Fellowship Entry: Reserved slot in UC Davis EM fellowships
Mentored Research Track: Personalized project mentorship from leading investigators
Flexible Scheduling: Protected research time in PGY2–3 and post-residency

Timeline & Structure

PGY1

Standard EM residency; PSTP onboarding, mentorship team & project identification.

PGY2

2-week research elective; project development and data gathering.

PGY3

4-week research elective; advanced analysis, writing, and NIH LRP application.

Postgrad (Years 4–5)

48 hours/month clinical time; 75% protected research time; fellowship or junior faculty appointment; grant preparation for K awards.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

M.D.-Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
≥1 year of dedicated research experience
Research productivity comparable to national PSTP standards

Application Instructions

Apply through the ACGME Match to the UC Davis EM Residency
Email your CV and a brief interest statement to: Daniel K. Nishijima, M.D., M.A.S. – dnishijima@health.ucdavis.edu
Candidates will be invited for both the standard EM interview and a separate PSTP interview with a short research talk

“UC Davis Emergency Medicine PSTP offers the support, structure, and mentorship to develop the next generation of physician-scientists in emergency care.”

— Daniel K. Nishijima, M.D., M.A.S., Program Director

Program Benefits

Dedicated mentorship and institutional backing
Access to CTSA-funded resources and training
Opportunities for NIH Loan Repayment and K-level grants
Seamless transition to research fellowship or early faculty role
Strong track record of success in multicenter research and NIH-funded trials

Why UC Davis?

Located in one of the top academic medical centers in the nation, UC Davis offers access to state-of-the-art research facilities, a collaborative emergency medicine research group, and a vibrant scientific community across disciplines. Our PSTP scholars benefit from the mentorship of national leaders in TBI, health services research, biostatistics, and implementation science.