The Lewis Katz School of Medicine equips students and trainees with the knowledge, skills, and competencies that employers in academia, government, and industry demand. 

“Temple attracts students, faculty, and postdocs interested in thematic research and translational studies — and gives them focused, multi-aspect training,” says Walter Koch, PhD, FAHA, Chair of the Department. “What makes us a premier place to train is that we expose trainees to many different perspectives all in one department.”

In tandem with the School’s primary hub of educators in the Department of Biomedical Education and Data Science, the Department provides high quality, contemporary, interdisciplinary education to graduate (MS, PhD) and medical (MD and MD/PhD) students. The MS-with-thesis and PhD programs are scholarly endeavors requiring original research in high-impact fields.

At the Katz School of Medicine, students learn to become highly capable, independent scientific investigators who seek the input of colleagues to enhance their scientific aims. We challenge students to think logically, creatively, and collaboratively.

Students benefit from a high faculty-to-student ratio. They receive outstanding mentoring from their advisors and other faculty—all premier educators and researchers with national and international reputations. Students also have ample opportunity to present their research findings to the Temple community and at national scientific conferences.

The training of postdoctoral fellows in basic and translational science is also vital to our mission. We provide mentoring and guidance to junior faculty as well. The departmental structure is advantageous to trainees at all levels because it exposes them to a wide range of techniques, skills, and approaches within an extended group of highly regarded scientists.

Learners and professionals alike benefit from seminars and lecture series that promote scholarship, intra- and extra-mural scientific collaborations, and the exchange of scientific ideas.

Graduate program students and fellows are expected to make annual presentations in seminar and journal club programs to help them develop their oral presentation skills.

Department faculty work with students to shape research questions with potential for significant clinical impact – and give trainees ample opportunity to discuss their findings with their peers and faculty, attending laboratory and project team meetings. The Katz School of Medicine strives to broaden the scope of the training experience for all students and fellows by encouraging them to engage in projects beyond the confines of the major laboratories that serve as home base for their research.

“We provide pre- and post-doctoral fellows with the highest quality training in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment – immersing them in topics that lead to a greater understanding of normal and disease states,” says Dr. Koch.

Since 1995, Dr. Koch has personally trained more than 60 pre- and post-doctoral fellows. Many have gone onto their own successful careers,” he says. “I am committed to ensuring that all levels of trainees get the attention and experience they need to become successful scientists.”