The CMIT Clinical Scholars Program is designed for clinical fellows and early career physician-scientists who are interested in exploring microbiome science in their field of medicine. The program aims to equip clinicians with the tools, knowledge, and community they need to advance translational microbiome research and build sustainable research careers, and to create clinical collaboration opportunities for the MIT microbiome community – within CMIT’s broader mission to foster the next generation of leaders in microbiome science.
Clinical Scholars receive formal Visitor appointments and join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team embedded in MIT’s unparalleled research ecosystem, where they can pursue translational research questions that apply microbiome science in human health and disease. During their tenure in the program, Clinical Scholars receive mentorship, training in microbiome-specific research techniques (e.g., wet lab, computational, or experimental design as needed), and have access to CMIT’s research space and resources, including our extensive collection of sequenced human-associated bacterial isolates.
Mentorship and Training
Clinical Scholars have access to experienced mentors who provide guidance on research, career development, and long-term goals. Mentorship is central to the program, with structured check-ins and ongoing support tailored to individual needs.
Research Opportunities
Mentors will work with Clinical Scholars to design a research plan, identify areas where they need specific guidance or training, and connect them to additional scientists or resources in the CMIT network as needed. Fellows can apply for CMIT seed funding for pilot research projects that can form the basis for future independent studies. Regular lab meetings and journal clubs offer opportunities to present work, discuss emerging findings, and sharpen critical thinking.
Career Development
The CMIT Clinical Scholars Program is deeply invested in training physician-scientists for long-term success. Clinical Scholars will receive individualized grant writing support, with opportunities to draft, review, and refine proposals alongside mentors and peers. Mentorship sessions will cover topics such as scientific communication, study design, and navigating career transitions. Our goal is to help fellows not only advance their research but also gain the skills needed to secure funding, publish effectively, and establish independent careers.
Community and Collaboration
Community building is central to the program. Clinical Scholars take part in CMIT group meetings that bring everyone together to share updates and exchange ideas. Journal clubs provide a forum for critical discussion of emerging microbiome literature, while CMIT seminars, symposia, and research mixers – which are open to the broader research community – create opportunities to engage with leading scientists across disciplines. These regular touchpoints foster collaboration, broaden scientific perspectives, and help Clinical Scholars develop lasting professional networks.
Current CMIT Clinical Scholars
- Jason Zhang, MD PhD (Co-Director, CMIT Clinical Scholar Program; Boston Children’s Hospital)
- Marjolein Klaassen, MD PhD (Co-Director, CMIT Clinical Scholar Program; Isala Hospital, Netherlands)
- David Lee, MD (Dana Farber Cancer Institute)
Alumni
- Arushi Kohli, MD (Tufts University School of Medicine; CMIT Clinical Scholar 2022-2024)
If you are an early-stage clinical fellow or physician-scientist in the Boston area who is interested in integrating a microbiome-focused aim into a research project, please email humanmicrobiome@mit.edu.