MSTP TREK Academy

MSTP TREK Academy is a four-week summer launch program for incoming MD-PhD students at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. It focuses on building resilience, leadership, professional identity, and early research community engagement. Through workshops on stress management, mentorship dynamics, and leadership development, students gain the skills to navigate the unique challenges of dual-degree training. TREK Academy also provides structured opportunities for networking with faculty and peers, laying a strong foundation for a successful transition into the MSTP community and beyond.

MSTP Survival Skills MSTP Survival Skills is an interactive, skills-based series designed to help MD-PhD students successfully navigate the challenges of dual-degree training. Developed in collaboration with the Center for Stress, Resilience, and Personal Growth, this series provides practical strategies for managing mentorship relationships, setting achievable goals, navigating research obstacles, maintaining well-being, and building resilience during the PhD years. Through workshops, guided exercises, and reflective discussions, students develop essential skills to support their academic, professional, and personal success. MSTP Survival Skills fosters a growth-oriented mindset, encourages proactive problem-solving, and emphasizes the importance of balancing excellence in research with sustainable self-care practices. Participation is required as part of MSTP TREK programming.

MSTP Leadership Colloquium

The MSTP Leadership Colloquium is a skill-building series designed to prepare MD-PhD students for leadership roles in science, medicine, and academia. Through interactive workshops and case-based discussions, students explore key topics including team management, effective communication, conflict resolution, inclusive leadership, and ethical decision-making. The colloquium fosters the development of leadership styles grounded in collaboration, resilience, and professionalism, equipping future physician-scientists to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive innovation across research and clinical environments.

Build Your Research Community

The iBiology Build Your Research Community program is an interactive, online learning experience that helps MD-PhD students develop the skills needed to build strong, supportive, and effective research networks. Through self-paced modules and guided discussions, students learn best practices for choosing mentors, navigating lab dynamics, fostering collaborations, and creating inclusive scientific communities. This training empowers students to proactively shape their research environment, enhancing success during the PhD years and beyond.

MSTP Networking and TREKTracker

MSTP Networking provides structured opportunities for MD-PhD students to connect with faculty, potential research mentors, and peers early in their training. Through formal and informal events, students begin building professional relationships that will support their research and career development. To facilitate and track these connections, students use TREKTracker, an online tool that documents meetings with faculty, mentors, and program leadership. TREKTracker helps ensure that every student is actively engaging with the MSTP community, identifying potential rotation mentors, and receiving the guidance needed for a strong transition into the PhD phase.