Research Fellowship in Geriatric Mood Disorders

Weill Medical Coll Of Cornell Univ, New York NY

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This is the fifth competing application of the T32 Weill-Cornell Research Fellowship Program in Geriatric Mood Disorders, which has been offering multidisciplinary training for 20 years. Conceptually, we view mood disorders as heterogeneous with etiological contributions from genetic factors, aging- and disease-related biological changes, disability, and psychosocial factors. Methodologically, we teach biological assessment techniques as well as longitudinal designs and clinically-driven interventions at the patient, the practice, and the community levels. This approach has led to translational studies in a population with great health and mental health needs. The Program's strengths are: 1) The academic record of its trainees; the 17 fellows trained of the past 10 years received 22 grants and coauthored 101 papers (41 first-authored); 2) Leadership in research training at a national level (PIs of the NIMH Summer Research Institute and the Advanced Research Institute); 3) NIMH- funded faculty in translational research ranging from molecular genetics, neuroimaging, clinical pharmacology, intervention development, and mental health services research; 4) Cohesive organization of the Cornell ACISR; 5) Five pilot project programs; 6) Rich study populations and laboratory resources; 7) Databases available for secondary analyses and hypothesis generation by the fellows; 8) Long and effective collaboration with investigators of Geriatric Medicine, General Internal Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology and Services Research Program, Public Health and Medical Ethics; and 9) Leadership in 8 multisite studies. The Program will be directed by funded investigators in clinical biology (G. Alexopoulos) and health services research (M. Bruce) with a strong record in research training and by an Executive Committee with expertise in molecular genetics, neuroimaging, and treatment development. We request support for 2 trainees per year, whose individualized training programs will be coordinated by two preceptors (e.g. one clinical and one basic investigator or one services and one clinical investigator) to facilitate translation research. Beyond a Core Curriculum, we guide and support our trainees in conducting their own research studies, in preparing competitive funding applications, and in publishing data-based papers.