The goal of the UC Davis School of Medicine Academic Research Careers for Medical Doctors (ARC-MD) program is to provide medical students with the foundational skills and professional development that promote a successful career as a physician-scientist. ARC‐MD trains the next generation of physician‐scientists to work in an academic setting and use research to improve health in their community. ARC‐MD students are committed to having research as a foundational aspect of their career. That research may include basic‐translational research, clinical‐translational research, community‐engaged research, or implementation science. The five-year program provides students with research and career mentorship, special experiences, and a unique curriculum within a supportive longitudinal learning community.

The Academic Research Careers for Medical Doctors (ARC-MD) Pathway was established in 2019 to create a structured, longitudinal pathway for medical students aspiring to careers as physician-scientists. Designed to cultivate skill development and professional identity formation, the ARC-MD program emphasizes training that is rigorous, team-based, and community-oriented. Since its launch, ARC-MD has matriculated students with broad backgrounds and interests representing various stages of the translational science spectrum, including basic research, preclinical research, clinical research, clinical implementation, and public health. The pathway celebrated the graduation of its first class in 2024. ARC-MD graduates have gone on to highly competitive residencies with research as a core aspect of their career plans, demonstrating the program’s success in advancing research skills and professional development early in medical careers.

ARC-MD’s foundation was inspired by the vision of Fred Meyers, M.D., M.A.C.P., who served as the program’s founding director. A Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Fred also serves as Director of the Office of Education, Training, and Career Development at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. In addition, Fred leads career development in the UCD Center for Precision Medicine and Data Sciences. He is a highly regarded leader, cancer researcher, and educator; has published extensively on career development; has served as PI on numerous training grants; and leads programs that develop the next generation of faculty. He has a distinguished track record of NIH-funded and foundation supported investigations in palliative care delivery and education. Fred initiated the program, and ARC-MD has been sustained and expanded through the collaborative efforts of faculty, staff, and institutional partners committed to building a physician-scientist workforce.