MGH Diseases of Aging Pathway Via Stimulating Access to Research in Residency (MGH DAP StARR)

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PROJECT SUMMARY Physician-scientists play a unique role in bridging the gap between basic science and clinicians through the identification of important clinical questions and translating results to improve patient care. Regrettably, the physician-scientist workforce has continued to diminish, which may lead to negative, long-lasting consequences in biomedical research. Many residency programs focus heavily on acquiring medical knowledge as opposed to fostering intellectual curiosity and an introduction into the biomedical research field. Furthering the diminishing interest in a career as a physician-scientist is the ability to identify an encouraging and successful mentor. There is a critical need for a renewed emphasis on established physician- scientists as role models to trainees. In this proposal, we aim to enhance attractiveness and preparedness for a career as a physician-scientist during residency training. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), frailty, and multimorbidity in aging are fundamental areas of science that greatly benefit from a robust physician-scientist workforce. The overall goal of this training program in ADRD, frailty, and multimorbidity in aging is to raise interest and preparedness of future physician-scientists to tackle the problems facing the aging population by providing a solid foundation to train residents to be productive, independent scientists who can advance studies in a broad range of areas from basic science to clinical investigation. To this end, we propose the implementation of the Massachusetts General Hospital Diseases of Aging Pathway via Stimulating Access to Research in Residency (MGH DAP StARR) program. The program will train new physician-scientists throughout the biomedical research continuum who will promote new preventative and therapeutic measures for aging-related diseases. The MGH DAP StARR program is centered around the following four objectives: [1] engage in the creation of important scientific contributions through strong, longitudinal mentorship with an emphasis on leadership essentials; [2] develop laboratory, translational, or clinical research approaches necessary to conduct high- quality research in pertinent areas of aging; [3] formulate hypothesis-based research questions, development and execution of a research project, and effectively communicate the significance of their science with intense mentorship from NIA- funded investigators; and [4] establish a pathway for continued development as independent physician-scientists in ADRD, frailty, and multimorbidity in aging. MGH DAP StARR program will allow two residents from the Departments of Medicine and Neurology at MGH to conduct research for 12-24 months at MGH or the Marcus Institute of Aging Research at Hebrew Senior Life Institute of Aging. The program will be co-led by Christine Ritchie (Medicine), Bradley Hyman (Neurology), and Jatin Vyas (Medicine Residency Program Director), an Internal Steering Committee, and External Advisory Board, along with 64 multidisciplinary and NIA-funded research preceptors. Together, these initiatives are designed to attract, train, and retain MDs in biomedical investigation in the areas of ADRD, frailty, and multimorbidity in aging at the most critical juncture of their career - residency training.