Adapt or Perish: Updating the Predoctoral Training Model.

Abstract

The fate of biomedical research lies in the hands of future generations of scientists. In recent decades the diversity of scientific career opportunities has exploded multidimensionally. However, the educational system for maintaining a pipeline of talented biomedical trainees remains unidimensional and has become outdated. This Viewpoint identifies inadequacies in training and offers potential solutions and implementation strategies to stimulate interest in science at a younger age and to better align individualized training pathways with career opportunities (“precision training”). Both interventions support of the ultimate goal of attracting the best possible future leaders in biomedical science.