Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program

The Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program, sponsored by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), provides medical students with an enriching experience in aging-related research and geriatrics with mentorship from top experts in the field. The 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 and will be invited to submit an abstract to present a poster at the Annual Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society. 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. The program aims to encourage medical students—particularly budding researchers—to consider a career in academic geriatrics by awarding short-term scholarships.