David Schwartz, MD, Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Immunology, has been named associate dean for translational sciences at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. In this role, Schwartz will continue to oversee training and career-development for physicians and translational scientists interested in research careers and scientific program development. Schwartz will work closely with the new director of the Medical Scientist Training Program and the Office of Research Education in the School of Medicine under the direction of Senior Associate Dean for Education Shanta Zimmer, MD.
“I have great confidence that Dr. Schwartz is the best leader for this important program on our campus,” Dean John H. Sampson, MD, PhD, MBA, says. “Dr. Schwartz is an outstanding scientist and physician with a longtime commitment to cultivating excellence. He is highly regarded by his colleagues and has a record of impactful scientific and programmatic accomplishments.”
“The CU School of Medicine already has more basic scientists than most medical schools in the country,” Sampson says. “One of the best ways for us to remain ahead is to create an environment where physicians interested in research are rewarded for their breakthrough work. We will create a collaborative workplace where innovation pays off and where our talented faculty can turn their discoveries into better clinical care for our patients.”
In 2021, the School of Medicine launched the Program to Advance Physician Scientists and Translational Research to foster training, career development, diversity, career satisfaction and retention of physician-scientists and programmatic research on campus. Schwartz, formerly chair of the Department of Medicine (2011-2021), has served as director of the program since its founding.
“I believe that the success of physician-scientists depends on their integration with PhD scientists,” Schwartz says. “Immersing physicians in the research environment with scientists across programs on our campus throughout the CU system is one of the best ways to strengthen our research environment and improve the impact of our investigators.”
The Program to Advance Physician Scientists and Translational Research, known as PAPSTR, oversees multiple initiatives, including:
- CU Anschutz SOM Programmatic Incubator for Research Program: Also known as CU ASPIRE and co-led by Lori Sussel, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics, the program guides faculty in the development of interdisciplinary, programmatic research, leading to an increase in the medical school’s submissions and success of program projects, center grants, and large multi-project team science awards.
- Translational Research Scholars Program: Also known as TRSP and co-led by Sean Colgan, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Medicine, supports the career development of outstanding early faculty to explore new lines investigation in translational sciences. The program protects time for research, provides support for new lines of investigation, andprovides group mentorship by meeting monthly to discuss scientific advances and career development.
- Stimulating Access to Research in Residency Program: Also known as StARR and co-led by Steven Abman, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, and Peter Buttrick, MD, Professor of Medicine, the program brings together the departments of medicine, pediatrics, and surgery in providing dedicated, in-depth research time during residency. The program is funded by a highly competitive NIH R38 grant.
- Emerging Physician Scientist Program: Provides mentorship, a stipend, and travel support for medical students training as physician-scientists who are selected for the Scholar’s Year by the Office of Research Education.
- Baccalaureate to Medicine and Research Program: Also known as B2MR, the program provides multidimensional mentoring and research training in biomedical research for post-baccalaureate students to succeed in top-tier MD or MD-PhD programs.
“I am very impressed by the success Dr. Schwartz has already had establishing this program in just a few years,” Sampson says. “By elevating his role to associate dean and guaranteeing funding support, we will ensure that his work will continue to transform our school into one best in the country.”
