
From the Director
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I am honored to lead the Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) as it enters its 37th year. The program has been carefully guided by leaders in reproductive medicine, and I am proud to continue this legacy.
The Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) was established in 1988 by Drs. Robert Jaffe and Larry Longo and is a NIH/NICHD-sponsored K12 training program dedicated to mentoring the next generation of physician-scientists. Originally based at the University of California San Francisco, it transitioned to Washington University in St. Louis under Dr. Kelle Moley in 2013. Since January 1, 2019, I have had the privilege of leading the program, overseeing its relocation from Washington University to the University of Missouri, and most recently, its move to Duke University on July 1, 2023.
A Unique Training Opportunity
The RSDP is designed for physician-scientists, with a purposeful and strong focus on basic science research skills that will shape the rest of their careers. Scholars dedicate two years at 75% effort to immersive research with world-class mentors during phase I of the award. In Phase II, they continue research while transitioning back to their clinical departments, positioning them for independent careers.
Unlike many programs, RSDP benefits from additional funding beyond federal support, thanks to generous contributions from:
🔹 American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG)
🔹 American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
🔹 Burroughs Wellcome Fund
🔹 GOG Foundation
🔹 Society for Reproductive Investigation
🔹 March of Dimes
This funding allows us to provide some full scholarships and most research supplies —as well as host our annual Scholar Dinner and Retreat.
Strong Network of Leaders
With over 100 alumni, RSDP fosters a network of physician-scientists who remain connected long after their training. Many members of our Executive, Selection, and Evaluation Committees are RSDP alumni, a testament to their commitment to the program’s success.
I encourage you to explore our website and consider applying if you are a physician-scientist eager to deepen your research career. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Amanda Heflin, our program administrator, or me.
About Us
The Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional research career development program for obstetrician-gynecologists in cell and molecular biology and related fundamental sciences. The RSDP is a consortium involving the current host institution — University of Missouri - Columbia — its sponsors and the many institutions around the country that train RSDP scholars.
Leadership:
Danny J. Schust, M.D.
RSDP Program Director
Duke University School of Medicine
Administration:
Amanda Heflin, MBA
RSDP Program Administrator
Reproductive Scientist Development Program
Duke University School of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
DUMC 3084
200 Trent Drive, Baker House 203
Durham, NC 27710
Email: amanda.heflin@duke.edu
Internet: http://RSDProgram.org
The program is sponsored by:
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
National Cancer Institute
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Burroughs Wellcome Fund
The GOG Foundation
The March of Dimes Foundation
The Society for Reproductive Investigation
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