AGING Initiative MCCs Scholars Program

The NIH-funded Health Care Systems Research Network (HCSRN) and Older Americans Independence Centers (OAICs) AGING Initiative is in the sixth year of its MCCs Scholars Program intended to catalyze an expansion of interdisciplinary research relevant to the science of Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCCs). The program has created a cohort of emerging leaders who are committed to pursuing training and collaborative opportunities to align their research interests and agendas with issues relevant to the health and healthcare of older adults with MCCs.

The AGING Initiative will select up to 14 scholars this year. The scholarships will provide travel and accommodations for an overnight training workshop to be held April 24-26, 2024 in the Washington DC area preceding the Annual Meeting of the OAICs. Over the subsequent year, scholars will participate in a webinar-based curriculum on MCCs research, engaging patient and caregiver partners, and career and leadership development. Scholars will also participate in a formal mentoring program, which will pair scholars with senior scientific mentors and members of the AGING Initiative Patient/Caregiver Advisory Council (APCAC) based on shared research interests. The MCCs Scholars Program aims to foster a nationwide community and mentoring network to extend and sustain MCCs research. 

Who should apply to the MCCs Scholars Program?

Scholars must meet the following criteria: 

• MD, PhD, or equivalent degree (e.g. DO, AudD, DPT, etc.)
• Evidence of commitment to research in a field relevant to MCCs and/or aging
• Preference will be given to applicants who are in earlier stage of career (e.g., not yet received an R01 or tenure, or attained these milestones only recently)
• Must attend the April 2024 Workshop and 6 webinars during the Scholarship year (may attend additional webinars in future years, if desired)
• Must commit to regular/monthly meetings with assigned mentor(s)

Applications from trainees, early stage investigators, and individuals from groups under-represented in research careers (e.g., women, ethnic/racial minorities, people with disabilities) are encouraged. Seeking applicants who (1) wish to collaborate with other investigators interested in MCCs, or (2) have research activities that could be enhanced by the data resources and/or expertise available through the AGING Initiative. MCCs Scholars do not need to be affiliated with the HCSRN or OAICs.

How do I apply for the MCCs Scholars Program?

Applications should be submitted electronically to the submission site. An updated NIH biosketch is required as well as short responses (400 words or less) to describe: 1) Your interests and aspirations related to MCCs research, 2) Prior accomplishments and/or evidence of potential to lead or participate in collaborative research, 3) How your work will have an impact on patients living with MCCs, and 4) Your goals for participating in the MCCs Scholars Program. The online application can be found at: https://bit.ly/47opKgm

What should I do if I have additional questions?

An informational webinar about the Scholars Program will be held on November 20, 2023 at 4-5pm ET: https://bit.ly/3EmyTsK. If you miss the informational webinar, a recording will be posted here: https://bit.ly/3Q9lppt. Inquiries can also be made directly to Ollie Desrochers at ollie.desrochers@umassmed.edu.