The Professional Development Fundamentals course is a relatively new course, started the spring of 2017. This course is taught by David Jacoby, MD, and invited guest lecturers. 

The course consists of a focused selection of topics to give students a solid foundation to be successful as scientists and leaders and to demystify many elements of PhD training and career paths. Each session is taught in conference style and topics include: PhD mentorship; keeping data; grant submissions; PhD milestones; writing a dissertation; making the most of committee meetings; developing presentations and more.

This is a one credit course taught in Spring term annually. Students are required to take this course after they have completed the first 18 months of the MD program and are transitioning into the PhD portion of the program. However, this course is open to any graduate student at OHSU.