Research Education Component

University Of Texas Med Br Galveston, Galveston TX

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT (REC) The UTMB OAIC will continue to promote the development of the next generation of research leaders in geriatrics and gerontology through direct financial support for salary, structured mentoring, participation in interdisciplinary conferences, didactic training, and networking activities. Scholars will have access to infrastructure support from the Research Education Component (REC), other OAIC cores, the Institute for Translational Sciences (CTSA), and other OAICs as appropriate. The specific aims of the REC are to: (1) Work with UTMB and its partner institutions to identify, recruit, and retain a pool of scholars with the potential for successful careers in aging and disparities research; (2) Use an innovative “Precision Faculty Development” model to create a career and professional development program customized to each REC Scholar; and (3) Foster a community of REC scholars to promote interdisciplinary collaborations, peer-to-peer support, and professional development for a successful career in aging research. These aims will allow us to build on our success. To date, the UTMB OAIC has trained 41 scholars, 55% clinicians, with 85% of REC Scholars securing external funding on their path to becoming independent investigators. Our OAIC theme for the 2020-2025 cycle is: Enhance functional independence in older adults with chronic disabling conditions by reducing health disparities. This theme guides a career development program in which earlycareer faculty acquire capabilities in scholarly communication, scientific leadership, and translating research findings into effective interventions, with an emphasis on health disparities. The aims will be achieved by integrating the REC Scholars with teams conducting research relevant to the OAIC goal of identifying pathways of physical function and developing interventions that improve functional recovery and enhance independence in older adults. These teams will be multidisciplinary and led by experienced mentors with demonstrated research expertise and documented external funding. The REC leadership and mentors include senior faculty with both research and administrative experience related to career development, such as directors of training programs, T32s, and K12s. Additionally, the REC includes clinician-scientists as members of each research team to ensure that the mentoring experiences are high quality and include appropriate translational opportunities related to disparities, aging, and geriatrics research.