Students enrolled in the MSTAR program benefit from an enriching experience in aging-related research and geriatrics with the mentorship of top experts in the field. Participation in the program has led many physicians-in-training to pursue academic careers in aging, ranging from basic science to clinical and health sciences research. 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.
Candidates:
1st-year medical students interested in aging research
Duration:
Intensive 8 weeks over Summer break
Stipends:
$4,400 total for 8 weeks
Project PI: Erin Hommel, MD
Trainees gain:
- 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 experience 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, attend weekly meetings, where didactic applications and career issues are discussed, and attend local geriatrics seminars. They also attend kickoff and capstone group sessions.