Main Content

Biomedical Sciences – Neurobehavioral Sciences Track

The Neurobehavioral Sciences Track (NBST) is a specialized program designed to cultivate the next generation of physician-scientists in psychiatry. This integrated program extends traditional psychiatric residency by two years to allow participants to earn a PhD during residency training, equipping them with the skills needed to bridge clinical practice and scientific discovery. The program emphasizes rigorous scientific training, including experimental design, responsible conduct of research, and research ethics. Trainees engage in two protected, full-time research years within a laboratory setting, free from clinical obligations, to focus intensively on their dissertation work. This culminates in the completion and defense of a doctoral thesis. In preparation for a successful academic and research career, trainees also receive dedicated instruction in grant writing, with the expectation that they will submit competitive training grant applications to the NIH or equivalent funding agencies. This pathway is ideal for those interested in incorporating research into their clinical careers as physician-scientists.

The program is structured as follows: 3 years of residency training in psychiatry (PGY 1-3), 2 years of graduate training (G 1-2), and a final year of residency training (PGY 4) for a total of 6 years. Trainees who are admitted to and complete the requirements of the NBST are awarded a PhD in Biomedical Sciences at the completion of residency. The program is only open to residents who match in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at UMMC. However, candidates who are preparing residency applications for match and who are interested in the program are encouraged to contact the residency director prior to applying.

For more information

If you have additional questions that are not answered above, please contact the program director, Dr. Kevin Freeman.

Kevin B. Freeman, PhD
Professor
Director, Office of Medical Student and Resident Research
Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research
Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 815-5622