CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF AGING
AND HEALTH 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
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INCREASE GERIATRICS EXPERTISE

1983

Medical Student Training in Aging Research Program (MSTAR)

1993-present A summer research internship program aimed at recruiting medical students to academic geriatrics, originally called the Medical Students Geriatric Scholars, was funded with a grant to the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR). Short-term scholarships are provided to encourage medical students to consider a career in academic geriatrics, clinical geriatrics, or in aging-focused careers by providing an intellectually stimulating, supportive, and positive educational experience in geriatric medicine.

In a survey, MSTAR Scholars overwhelmingly reported that the program increased their sensitivity and desire to care for older adults, and helped them feel better prepared to do so.

The National Institute on Aging became a partner in 2004, committing about $6.5 million and greatly expanding the AFAR program. To date, 1,746 medical students from over 80 percent of all medical schools have received scholarships.

The Hartford Foundation has always listened with a keen ear to the field and kept a focused eye toward the future, sensitively and proactively funding initiatives that will make the most long-term impact. AFAR’s own leadership and vision in advancing biomedical research on aging owes much to the Hartford Foundation’s commitment.” Stephanie Lederman
Executive Director
American Federation for Aging Research

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