Summer Aging Immersion: Training Future Researchers

This summer has been busy at the UC San Diego Center for Healthy Aging, with our Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) program in full swing. 

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our mentors have ensured that this unique program engaging medical students in aging-related research is continuing this summer and offering the same meaningful experiences as before. 

This year's research projects are vast and include topics such as sleep issues, heart health, cancer in older adults, and using a virtual assistant AI technology.

In addition, our students took part in many online clinical and research workshops on ethics, the digital revolution in healthcare, diversity, fighting ageism, designing age-friendly clinics and hospitals, and treating dementia, among many others. 

There is a shortage of health-care providers who specialize in geriatrics. With an insufficient number of specialists in aging, along with the need for more individuals to pursue research careers, the MSTAR Program, funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), is one step being taken to address this shortage. 

Many of our past trainees from the first cohorts continue training as geriatricians and geriatric psychiatrists. We look forward to following this year's students over time to see just where they end up on their career path.

Congratulations to trainees who participated in the MSTAR program this summer and a big thank you to the dedicated mentors and instructors who volunteered their valuable time!