MSTAR Scholars for summer 2009 with their mentors, Dr. Sandra Sanchez-Reilly (far left) and Dr. Arlan Richardson (far right), co-directors of the San Antonio MSTAR program.
The Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) program is a collaboration among three leading research institutions in aging: the University of Pittsburgh, the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. The three sites were selected for this national program based on the impressive strength of their aging research programs, successful and supportive mentors, and their enthusiasm for work with medical students.
The 8-12 week summer MSTAR program combines an individualized mentored research project with group sessions focused on common issues in aging research and informal sessions about medical careers. Students also have the option to participate in clinical and community programs.As a capstone to the summer program, each student prepares a final abstract and power point presentation of their work and all join in an informal social gathering with students, mentors, and friends. Students submit abstracts to the annual meeting of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) in December and receive funding to attend the meeting.
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