Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program

The MSTAR program consists of both real-time and follow-up evaluation processes designed to continuously improve the program and to assess its effectiveness in achieving its long term goals. The long term goal of the program is to increase the number of established physician investigators and clinicians who pursue research in high priority areas related to aging.

Sponsors funding this project are the National Institute of Aging (NIA) and the American Federation for Aging Research. This project is in collaboration with the UTMB Sealy Center on Aging in collaboration with the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Requirements

Candidates:
1st year medical students interested in aging research

Duration:
Intensive 8-12 weeks; during summer break

Stipends:
$1748 per month up to 2 months

Project PI:
Elena Volpi, MD, PhD, Sealy Center on Aging Director

Trainees gain:

  • an individualized research experience under a sponsoring mentor
  • a structured didactic experience that is directly linked to student research projects
  • opportunities to interact with potential role models and peers efforts to build a sense of identity and membership for participants
  • a positive and rewarding experiences in aging research
  • a chance to obtain research credits for their participation

Expectations

During the summer experience, trainees are expected to spend the majority of their time at UTMB on their research project, to attend weekly meetings, where didactic applications and career issues are discussed and to attend local geriatrics seminars. They also attend kickoff and capstone group sessions.

Site managed by UTMB Sealy Center on Aging • Data Updated: 10-FEB-2016