Many successful physician-scientists can recall a specific patient who sparked their curiosity and set them on the path towards an investigative career. The Interesting Patient Study (TIPS) provides Washington University clinical trainees in any department the opportunity get involved in basic research by more deeply studying the interesting patients that they see in the clinic or hospital using core facilities and local experts. TIPS is a low-time-commitment program, which is intended to be compatible with the busy schedules of clinical trainees. TIPS is supported by an institutional training grant for physician-scientist development from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.