Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program

The MSTAR Program provides medical students with an enriching experience in aging-related research and geriatrics, with the mentorship of top experts in the field. This program introduces students to research and academic experiences early in their training that they might not otherwise have during medical school. Students participate in an eight- to twelve-week structured research, clinical, and didactic program in geriatrics, appropriate to their level of training and interests. Research projects are offered in basic, translational, clinical, or health services research relevant to older people. Most scholars will do their training and research during the summer months. The program encourages medical students, particularly budding researchers, to consider a career in academic geriatrics by awarding short-term scholarships. Positive experiences in the MSTAR program have led many physicians-in-training to pursue academic careers in aging, ranging from basic science to clinical research to health services research. Applicants will compete for approximately 100 scholarships at seven National Training Centers supported by the National Institute on Aging. Students will also be invited to submit an abstract to present a poster at the Annual Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society.