National Leader of
Physician-Scientist Training Excellence

The Oliver Langenberg Physician-Scientist Training Program in the Department of Medicine trains physicians for careers in academic medicine.

Our Commitment

  • To develop a personalized program of combined clinical and research training that addresses each trainee’s requirements
  • To link trainees with postgraduate research mentors during residency to ease the transition from clinical to laboratory research training. The program’s affiliation with the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences at Washington University can accommodate a broad depth and breadth of potential research interests
  • To provide an outstanding training experience that facilitates career progression from trainee to independent investigator
  • To respect principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and fairness that are worthy of all physician-scientists and our profession

Our Alumni

This program was the first of its kind in the nation, founded in 1998 by Stuart Kornfeld, MD. As of June 1, 2022, our program has 33 current trainees. There are 68 alumni, of whom 40 remain on the faculty here at Washington University (8 Instructors, 16 Assistant Professors, 11 Associate Professors and 5 Professors). Of the remaining 28, 18 are on the faculties of other prominent medical schools, 8 are in private practice, and 2 work full time in Pharma. Twenty-two of our trainees have successfully competed for K08 or K99 awards, and of those who have submitted R01s, all have been successful.


The PSTP has proven to be a very impactful program for the Department of Medicine. It has provided mentorship and an environment that facilitates the development of the next generation of physician-scientists

Stuart Kornfeld, MD
David C. and Betty Farrel Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Founding Director of the Department of Medicine PSTP
Former PSTP Director

News and Events

ZeNan Li Chang – 2024 AGA Research Foundation awardee

ZeNan Li Chang – 2024 AGA Research Foundation awardee (Links to an external site)

ZeNan Li Chang, MD, PhD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, received the 2024 American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Fellowship-to-Faculty Transition Award. The AGA program serves as a catalyst for discovery and career growth among the most promising researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology. “This year’s awardees are an exceptional group of investigators […]
Stefan Tarnawsky, MD, Ph.D. Receives ASH Research Training Award for Fellows

Stefan Tarnawsky, MD, Ph.D. Receives ASH Research Training Award for Fellows (Links to an external site)

The Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine is proud to announce that third-year fellow, Stefan Tarnawsky, M.D., Ph.D, has been selected by the American Society of Hematology (ASH) to participate in the 2024 Research Training Award for Fellows (RTAF). He is one of 17 outstanding fellows across the country selected for this highly competitive award, and one of […]