David Hartmann and Abigail Washispack became the recipients of the MUSC Physicians/Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) Aug. 7.

MUSC Physicians gives the college a total of $46,000, which provides the $23,000 annual stipend for two MSTP students. Perry V. Halushka, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the College of Graduate Studies and MSTP director, said the support of this scholarship by the MUSC Physicians is extremely important.

Medical Scientist Training Program students David Hartmann and Abigail Washispack receive a scholarship from MUSC Physicans Aug. 7. With the students are Dr. Perry Halushka, left, College of Medicine Dean Dr. Etta Pisano, and Department of Radiology and Radiological Science Chair Dr. Philip Costello.

"Not only does it provide stipend support for two first-year MSTP students, it sends a message that the institution and specifically MUSC physicians are very supportive of this important training program. To my knowledge this is the only MSTP scholarship support by an academic physician group in the country. This support is viewed very positively by the National Institutes of Health review committee that ultimately makes its recommendations for support of this program."

Hartmann said he was thrilled to receive the award. "My reaction might best be explained by the internal dialogue that took place upon receiving the MSTP acceptance: 'What? Why would they pick me?' I'm not sure, but sincerest thanks to those who decided to confer this opportunity upon me. I'm going to do my best to ensure they made the right decision."
Hartmann said he grew up with dreams of becoming a professional bass fisherman in Jacksonville, Fla., but attended New College of Florida after discovering that an academic path toward helping others was likely a better fit for him.

"I chose MUSC for my training because it displayed the greatest commitment to marrying basic and applied sciences for clinical progress; the researchers whom I spoke with before matriculating were involved in research studies that were great examples of translational research. They are the type of studies I wish to conduct in the future," he said.

His main interest is in neuroscience and seeing what discoveries future tools will bring in revealing the brain's secrets, such as the naming of a new protein or signaling pathway.

Cardiovascular research is what appeals to the other award recipient. Washispack said the award is part of what makes MUSC's MSTP unique.

"I am extremely honored to be chosen as a recipient."

Originally from Arkansas, Washispack graduated from the University of Arkansas in May 2012 with a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering. Though she's not sure which medical specialty she will choose, she hopes to continue her involvement in cardiovascular research and work at an academic medical center in the future.

"I chose to attend MUSC for many reasons. I was very excited about working with the professors and students I met during my visits to MUSC. I have always been interested in the human heart and have a background in cardiovascular research. MUSC has a strong cardiovascular research program and is nationally known for its cardiac specialties, so it was a perfect fit for me."

Halushka said the MSTP scholarship committee reviews the applications of all the incoming MSTP students. The program has 52 students, with four who started this fall. The committee selects the two students who are deemed most qualified and will carry on the tradition of excellence that has been associated with the scholarship. The selection criteria include undergraduate academic record, letters of recommendation and prior research experience. Hartmann and Washispack spent the summer doing research with MUSC faculty members.

Halushka said the MSTP has developed as an outstanding environment for training future clinician-scientists. The goal is to train the future leaders in academic medicine, while providing an environment that nurtures each student's intellectual and personal potential. A major emphasis is placed on training our students to translate fundamental discoveries into improved patient care, he said.

"Both David Hartmann and Abigail Washispack excelled in all aspects of the evaluation criteria. We are pleased to have them in our program."

For information, visit http://www.musc.edu/grad/mstp/index.html.