WHO/PAHO Visiting Scholar Program

Visiting Scholars is a formal Faculty Exchange Program in Aging Research whereby faculty from partner institutions study at the host institution for three to 12 months. The program is the result of actual and future networks with institutions in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

The result is increased research collaboration and understanding of cross-cultural, social, and political issues affecting aging research and clinical care.

The visitors usually design a specific research program focused on older adults, to be completed in coordination with UTMB researchers. Visiting Scholars have the chance to interact with Sealy Center on Aging and other faculty members of University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. The exchange program is an opportunity to be part of UTMB; to enjoy the resources and facilities of the institution.

For more information on the program and the visa and application requirement and process, please contact us.

Current and Past Visiting Scholars

Research Training Program in Latin American and Hispanic Aging

The WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center on Aging and Health at the University of Texas Medical Branch, in Galveston, Texas has openings for pre-doctoral, post-doctoral or master students. The openings are for the research training program focused on aging of Latin American and Hispanic populations. Fellows from collaborating institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean will work with faculty on a defined research project.  Clinical researchers may also observe and learn various aspects of geriatric medicine and clinical care, e.g. interdisciplinary teams and the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) unit.

One position per year, for pre-doctoral, post-doctoral or master students will be funded by the Sealy Center on Aging (SCOA) at UTMB. SCOA will support the fellows based on the approved annual stipend levels. All trainees receive full health care benefits.

Pre-doctoral fellows and master’s students must enroll in a degree seeking program.  Pre-doctoral fellows earn a Ph.D. degree in Sociomedical Sciences or Health Services Research in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, or other doctoral programs at UTMB. Masters’ students earn a degree in Public Health (MPH) in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health.

Post-doctoral fellows are part of the research training program for 12 to 24 months. Fellows will work on a defined research project under the mentorship of one faculty member. Trainees also collaborate with other faculty in research pertaining Latin American and Hispanic Aging.

All applicants must be Citizens of a Latin American or Caribbean Country. After having successfully completed the application process, selected participants must submit additional documentation to apply for a visa. For more information on documents and visas please visit the Office of Diversity and International Affairs’ webpage at http://www.utmb.edu/international/

Applicants should send the following information:

  • Current curriculum vitae
  • Letter of intent stating research or training interests
  • Relevant prior training
  • Names of three (3) professional or academic references

All materials must be in English and should be sent together; partial packages will not be processed. Please send the package, via mail or e-mail, to:

WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center on Aging and Health
Sealy Center on Aging
301 University Blvd
Jennie Sealy, Room 3.232
Galveston, TX 77555-0460
Ph: 409-772-1915
Fax: 409-772-8931
Email: whopaho.aging@utmb.edu

Program Director

Rebeca Wong, PhD (Population Economics) Professor, Sociomedical Sciences,
Director, WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center on Aging and Health

Program Faculty

James S. Goodwin, MD (Geriatrics) Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine,
Director, Sealy Center on Aging

Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, PhD (Rehabilitation) Director, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences

Kyriakos S. Markides , PhD (Medical Sociology) Professor and Director, Sociomedical Sciences

Mukaila Raji, MD, MSC (Geriatrics) Director, Division of Geriatric Medicine

Jean L. Freeman, PhD (Epidemiology) Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine

Susan C. Weller, PhD (Social Sciences) Professor, Sociomedical Sciences

M. Kristen Peek, PhD (Sociology) Associate Professor, Sociomedical Sciences

Soham Al Snih, MD, PhD (Rheumatology, Social Sciences) Assistant Professor, Rehabilitation Sciences Division/School of Allied Health Sciences

Maria E. Camacho, MD (Geriatrics) Assistant Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine

For more information visit the WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center on Aging and Health webpage or contact us at whopaho.aging@utmb.edu