Program Leadership

Physician-scientists are critical to the US biomedical research workforce, improving human health by bridging clinical care and research, and translating scientific discoveries into innovative treatments that directly benefit patients. Despite their contributions, the number of physician-scientists has declined significantly, from 4.7% in 1980 to 1.5% today. Established in 1982, the MD-PhD program at the University at Buffalo aims to reverse this trend by recruiting and training compassionate, productive physician-scientists who will serve as leaders in academic medicine and ambassadors of our institution.

UB has made significant investments in research infrastructure over the past decade, including the NYS Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, the Gates Vascular Institute, the NIH-funded Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and the new Jacobs School complex at 955 Main Street. This growth, combined with a robust network of clinical partners—including the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Kaleida Health's hospitals, Oishei Children's Hospital, and Erie County Medical Center—has positioned UB as a leader in biomedical education. With a historic faculty hiring initiative, Governor Kathy Hochul has recognized UB as a "flagship" of the SUNY system.

What sets our program apart is the depth and diversity of clinical experiences available through our extensive network of clinical partners. The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences provides an exceptional environment for MD-PhD trainees, combining the resources of New York's flagship university with cutting-edge research and clinical training opportunities. As a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), UB offers access to five health sciences schools, nationally ranked programs, and a state-of-the-art facility on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Our program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership in health equity, and pioneering research in neuroscience, cancer biology, and artificial intelligence in medicine. With significant state investment in AI technologies through Empire AI and a commitment to addressing health disparities, trainees benefit from world-class faculty, innovative resources, and a supportive research ecosystem dedicated to training the next generation of clinician-scientists. Our advanced simulation centers mirror outpatient and high-intensity inpatient care settings, ensuring our students receive exceptional, hands-on training. Buffalo, as the second-largest metropolitan area in New York State, provides trainees with exposure to a diverse patient population and varied clinical conditions.

The Buffalo-Niagara region offers an outstanding quality of life, with beautiful summers, more days above 60°F than with snow on the ground, crisp autumns with vibrant foliage, and a lively community. The area also boasts significant cost of living advantages, including housing costs 6% lower than the national average, lower utility expenses, and the lowest property tax rates in Erie County. Renting in Buffalo is also substantially more affordable compared to other parts of New York State. These financial benefits make Buffalo an attractive and affordable place to live and train, and the region has been ranked among the best places to live in upstate New York and for families by U.S. News and World Report.

If you are eager to contribute to both research and clinical practice, our MD-PhD program at the University at Buffalo provides an outstanding training environment. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to becoming a physician-scientist.

Sincerely,
Marc Halterman, MD, PhD, FAHA
Director, MD-PhD Program
University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences