Pediatric Scientist Development Program
Training the next generation of pediatrician-scientists
PSDP is an NIH K12-funded program offering three years of intensive research training, mentorship, and career development for fellows committed to academic pediatrics.
85%
Graduates in academic pediatrics
53%
Graduates with NIH funding
$3.60B
Alumni NIH funding secured
25×
Return on investment
Latest News
What's happening at PSDP
Program updates, new funding partnerships, and events supporting the pediatrician-scientist pipeline.
2027 Scholars Announced on Instagram
We are thrilled to announce our newest cohort of PSDP scholars for 2027! Head over to our official Instagram page @PSDP_AMSPDC to meet the incoming class and learn more about their research and institutions.
See the announcement →New Rheumatology Slot + AHA Slot Update
Two new specialty research slots are open this cycle: a Rheumatology slot focused on juvenile arthritis and related autoimmune disease, and an AHA Cardiovascular slot centered on congenital heart defects.
Submit eligibility form →PSDP Application Cycle Now Open
Eligibility forms are due once endorsed by your sponsoring institution. Both current and legacy NIH biosketch formats are accepted this cycle.
View key dates →With Gratitude
Our generous supporters
PSDP is made possible through the generosity of individuals who believe in the next generation of pediatrician-scientists. We are deeply grateful to all who have contributed.
View our donor wall →This Application Cycle
8 available research slots
PSDP slots are funded through NICHD and a growing group of partner organizations, each supporting research in a specific area of pediatric medicine.
5
NICHD Slots
1
Burroughs Wellcome Fund Slot
1
American Heart Association Slot
1
Rheumatology Slot (Arthritis Foundation / CARRA / RRF)
Each sponsoring institution may nominate up to two applicants per cycle.
Program Description
Three years of protected time, mentorship, and support
PSDP prepares entry-level faculty for research careers in academic pediatrics, pairing fellows with established investigator-mentors across basic, translational, clinical, and health services research.
Three years of protected research time
Open to pediatricians holding an MD, DO, or MD/PhD who are committed to a career in academic medicine, with up to 20% clinical time allowed.
A funding model built for continuity
Year one is supported by your sponsoring institution; years two and three are funded through PSDP's NIH and foundation partners.
Faculty appointment on completion
Fellows in their third year are appointed as instructors, assistant professors, or equivalent rank at their institution.
Chair-level sponsorship
Pediatric department chairs are directly involved in nomination, application, and career development — a structure central to the program's outcomes.
Fellow Support
Stipend by program year
Year one
Salary and fringe benefits commensurate with fellow rank, paid by your sponsoring institution.
Year two
$82,000 salary + 15% fringe benefits, plus $25,000 for research supplies and travel.
Year three
$86,000 salary + 15% fringe benefits, plus $25,000 for research supplies and travel.
Applying
Key dates for this cycle
Eligibility forms are submitted once a candidate is endorsed by their sponsoring institution.
Standard deadline
For institutions with two or fewer interested candidates, eligibility forms are due February 15th.
Internal-selection deadline
Institutions with more than two interested candidates must run an internal selection process; forms are due March 1st.
Research availability requirement
All first-year fellows across sub-specialties are eligible provided at least three years (80%+) of guaranteed research time is available roughly 15 months after the application is due.
Alumni Stories
Careers PSDP helped launch
In their own words, alumni describe how protected research time and mentorship shaped their path to academic pediatrics.
The program gave me protected research time and mentorship that helped me land three major research grants in my final fellowship year, ultimately leading to a tenure-track faculty position.
Erlinda "Chulie" Ulloa, MD, MSc
PSDP Alumnus 2019 · Assistant Professor, UC Irvine
Multi-year protected lab time, close oversight of research progress, and consistent mentoring from participating chairs were key to launching an independent research career.
PSDP Alumnus 1991 · Chair of Pediatrics, CHOP
The support to learn a new animal model, especially through the challenges of COVID, made the difference in generating enough preliminary data for a competitive K08 application.
PSDP Alumnus 2022 · Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt
Beyond the financial support, access to renowned pediatric physician-scientist mentors provided timely, personalized guidance that shaped a career in academic pediatrics well beyond the program itself.
PSDP Alumnus 2021 · Assistant Professor, UCSF
Ready to apply?
Submit your eligibility form once endorsed by your sponsoring institution. Both current and legacy NIH biosketch formats are accepted.
Site Map