Letter from the Director

Welcome to UC San Diego's Physician Scientist Training Pathway (PSTP). UCSD stands out for its dedication to shaping the next generation of leaders in shaping the future of medicine. Our alumni often take on significant leadership roles in academia and the industry, showcasing our impact on healthcare worldwide.

Our program is supported by the outstanding clinical foundation of UCSD Health, San Diego's top hospital and one of the best in California and across the country. UCSD Health is known for high-quality care and advanced specialties and is recognized nationally and internationally in various medical fields. Our accolades highlight our commitment to safety, effectiveness, efficiency, patient focus, and equity.

Yet, the true mark of our exceptional physician-scientist training program is not just excellent clinical care but also cutting-edge research. UCSD stands out with an impressive $1.76 billion in research funding, ranking 2nd among U.S. public research universities and 9th in the nation, in high-quality science, according to Nature Index. Our reputation is further enhanced by 71 faculty members recognized as some of the world's most influential researchers, known for their work in the top 1% of most cited publications in their fields, ranking us 5th nationally and 7th globally.

Our PSTP trainees have a unique advantage in this rich research environment. They have the opportunity to conduct postdoctoral research across various institutes, including the UC San Diego Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Public Health, among others. Additionally, our collaborations with leading institutions like the Salk Institute, Sanford Burnham Prebys, La Jolla Institute of Immunology, the Scripps Research Institute, and the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine offer wide-ranging research opportunities. These partnerships are pivotal in pursuing research that aims to alleviate diseases.

We value diversity and flexibility in research. Therefore, our trainees aren’t limited to their fellowship's division for research. We encourage them to work with faculty across all divisions and schools, creating a space that's ideal for interdisciplinary innovation.

Our core goals guide everything we do: to train outstanding physician scientists in basic science and translation, develop independent research programs, conduct groundbreaking research focused on diseases, and prepare the leaders of the future.

Together, we can continue advancing knowledge, transforming patient care, and shaping the future of our respective fields.

Best Regards, 

Amir Zarrinpar, MD, PhD
Director, Physician-Scientist Training Pathway
Associate Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology