Pediatrics Physician-Scientist Training Program (PSTP) at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University
The McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University pediatric residency program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago recruits residents with MD-PhD degrees or who have otherwise unique experiences that indicate a strong commitment to a career in research. The Pediatrics Physician-Scientist Training Program (PSTP) experience is designed to facilitate the development of academic physician-scientists through a blend of experiential learning, didactic sessions and invited speakers.
2025 Virtual Open House
Our 2025 Virtual Open House highlighted the exceptional strengths of the Northwestern Pediatric Physician-Scientist Training Program at Lurie Children's and how we support our scholars throughout residency and beyond. The event included an overview of our PSTP structure and training approach, discussions with current trainees and early-career faculty, a deep dive into our supportive, collaborative research culture, and insights about life in Chicago. View the Open House video below and contact Alison Bender for additional details.
Program Overview
Understanding that residency is the beginning of a career transition that will terminate in independence, the Pediatrics PSTP at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine views the first day on campus as the beginning of a 7-to-10 year journey. The program integrates clinical training with advanced research to build the core foundation of a future physician-scientist. Leadership and management skills are also emphasized to help trainees prepare for the challenges of becoming an independent researcher. The program is crafted to nurture future leaders in pediatric medicine and scientific research by providing structured support, mentorship, and critical resources for academic growth.
Why Join the PSTP?
With a long career trajectory ahead, trainees require multiple support mechanisms to realize a transformative career in pediatric medicine. The PSTP is committed to helping trainees find their clinical passion and research home. Research occurs in multiple areas across Northwestern University's medical campus, and all avenues are available to trainees. Research at Lurie Children’s is conducted through Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, which is focused on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine, and ensuring healthier futures through the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Faculty in all Northwestern University academic departments are available as mentors, and the PSTP plays a pivotal role in helping to navigate this complex research terrain.
- Research and discovery-oriented community: Be a member of a vibrant community focused on research and discovery as an integral part of the residency training.
- Mentorship for subspecialty training: Receive the essential mentoring needed to advance into subspecialty training.
- Establish your research career: Collaborate closely with a research mentor to share and generate data, leading to valuable publication opportunities.
- Enhance grant funding prospects: Gain comprehensive training, clinical experience, and credibility to bolster future grant funding applications.
- Exposure to advanced concepts in leadership and management: Leadership is a learned skill. Begin to harness your own, inherent leadership qualities to cultivate successful teams, communicate your research more effectively and build a sustainable research program.
Program Details
Applicants should apply to the Categorical Pediatrics or Child Neurology Training Programs of the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
Interviews are held virtually from October to December in conjunction with the Pediatric Residency Program. We anticipate a full day of combined pediatric residency program and PSTP interviews. Applicants will be contacted ahead of time to personalize their interview process. We hope to accommodate all applicants on one of the dates provided below.
- October 27, 2025
- November 17, 2025
- December 8, 2025
Acceptance into the program will be via the National Resident Matching Program and will be based on the candidate’s demonstrated commitment to and programmatic assessment for long-term success as a physician-scientist.
Northwestern University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, housing or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates.
Each participant in the PSTP will receive guidance from two members of the faculty. Upon joining the program, PSTP scholars are linked with a career mentor who serves as a sounding board for decisions involving program structure, choice of a research mentor, and long-term career issues. The research mentor is chosen after the scholar determines the ideal research environment for career development. This can occur at any time during the first several years in the program. Trainees may work with any research program at Feinberg School of Medicine.
During residency and fellowship training, scholars are supported with supplemental funds for books, journals, and travel to conferences. Additional support is available for some laboratory expenses.
In collaboration with the residency program director, scholars will design a residency and fellowship program track to fulfill their needs. The program may be one of the American Board of Pediatrics-approved alternative training pathways, which are supported in the Pediatrics PSTP. For example, scholars can accelerate their training by completing their residency in two years or spending concentrated elective time in their third residency year working in a lab.
Yearly benefits include:
- Year 1: Scholars are assigned a career mentor and will receive up to $4,000 for books and travel.
- Year 2: Scholars will receive up to $4,000 for books and travel.
- Year 3: As a resident, scholars will receive up to $4,000 for books and travel; if fast-tracking, they will receive clinical subspecialty training emphasis.
- Fellowship years (PGY-3 or -4, depending upon track): As a fellow, scholars will receive up to $4,000 for books and travel if training is primarily clinical, or up to $10,000 per year for additional expenses related to research if active in the laboratory.
- Potential research year: The department will consider the option for a fellow to spend a fourth year entirely in research.
The Physician-Scientist in Pediatrics Colloquium Series provides scholars with valuable insights from leading experts in the field. Our distinguished speakers share their scientific research and how it integrates into and has shaped their career trajectories. You can attend sessions either in person or virtually. For future meeting details, please contact Alison Bender.
AY25-26 Schedule
- Mapping your Future: Residency and Fellowship Trajectories
Monday, September 15, 2025, Noon
- Physician-Scientist in Pediatrics Colloquium | Guest Speaker: Abel Kho, MD
Monday, October 6, 2025, Noon
- Knowing Yourself, Knowing Your Team
Monday, October 20, 2025, Noon
- Leading with Purpose: Moving Beyond Mission
Monday, November 3, 2025, Noon
- Inside the Search: Faculty Job Search Panel Discussion with: Miriam Bornhorst, MD, Katie Boyne, MD, and Rhodes Hambrick, MD, MS
Monday, November 17, 2025, Noon
- Physician-Scientist in Pediatrics Colloquium | Guest Speaker: Beth McNally, MD, PhD
Monday, December 1, 2025, Noon
- Introduction to Grant Types, Pros and Cons | Presented by: Todd A. Florin, MD, MSCE
Monday, December 15, 2025, Noon
- Physician-Scientist in Pediatrics Colloquium | Guest Speaker: Carla Marie Cuda, PhD
Monday, January 5, 2026, Noon
- Starting a Research Program Presented by: Brenda Paulsen, MEd, FACHE
Monday, January 26, 2026, Noon
- Physician-Scientist in Pediatrics Colloquium | Guest Speaker: Michelle L. Macy, MD, MS
Monday, February 2, 2026, Noon
- Why Mattering Matters
Monday, February 16, 2026, Noon
- Physician-Scientist in Pediatrics Colloquium | Guest Speaker: Aaron Hamvas, MD
Monday, March 2, 2026, Noon
- Branding You and Your Research Program and Peer-to-Peer Venn Diagram Exercise
Monday, March 16, 2026, Noon
- Physician-Scientist in Pediatrics Colloquium | Guest Speaker: Jennifer Hoffmann, MD, MS
Monday, April 6, 2026, Noon
- Hogan Assessment Group Debrief with Sarah Thomas
Monday, April 20, 2026, Noon
- Physician-Scientist in Pediatrics Colloquium | Guest Speaker: Ram Ramgopal, MD
Monday, May 4, 2026, Noon
- Professional Feedback, Accountability and Transparency
Monday, May 18, 2026, Noon
- Planning for Fellowship Job Applications
Monday, June 1, 2026, Noon
Program Faculty and Staff
Alison Bender, MA
Manager, Office of the President & Chief Research Officer, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute
Coordinator, Northwestern University Pediatrics Physician Scientist Training Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Patrick C. Seed, MD, PhD, FAAP, FIDSA
President and Chief Research Officer, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute; Children’s Research Fund Chair in Basic Science, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Director, Host-Microbial Interactions, Inflammation, and Immunity Program, Manne Research Institute; Professor of Pediatrics (Microbiology and Immunology), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Director, Northwestern University Pediatrics Physician Scientist Training Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Divakar S. Mithal, MD, PhD
Attending Physician, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Founders’ Board Chair in Neurocritical Care, Lurie Children’s; Assistant Professor (Neurology and Epilepsy), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Associate Director, Northwestern University Pediatrics Physician Scientist Training Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Catherine D. Michelson, MD, MSSc
Program Director, Pediatric Residency Program
Jennifer Trainor, MD
Associate Chair, Education
