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Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program

PIs: Benjamin Han, MD, MPH, Ellen Lee, MD, Alison Moore, MD, MPH, FACP

The Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program is funded by the National Institute on Aging and has been offered at UC San Diego since 2005. Each year, this popular program provides up to 18 medical students from across the nation an opportunity to conduct 8 to 12 weeks of summer research guided by the mentorship of a UC San Diego faculty member. Students receive full-time training conducting hands-on research in an area of personal interest pertaining to aging or an age-related disorder. Additionally, students participate in a variety of didactics that help shape their knowledge related to aging and teach valuable skills needed to conduct research. Students are provided an opportunity to showcase their work locally and encouraged to travel to the Annual Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society to present their findings.

How to Apply

The application process for the MSTAR program at UC San Diego is currently closed. 

Please check back in Nov/Dec 2023.

The MSTAR program is funded by the National Institute on Aging and has been offered at UC San Diego since 2005. Each year, this popular program provides up to 18 medical students from across the nation an opportunity to conduct 2 to 3 months of summer research guided by the mentorship of a UC San Diego faculty member. Students receive fulltime training conducting hands-on research in an area of personal interest pertaining to aging or an age-related disorder. Additionally, students participate in a variety of clinical activities and didactics that help shape their knowledge base related to aging and teach valuable skills needed to conduct research. Students are provided an opportunity to showcase their work locally and encouraged to travel to the Annual Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society to present their findings.

Please visit the AFAR website for more information on the program, eligibility, and application guidelines.

Check Eligibility

In order to apply to the UCSD MSTAR Program, students must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Any allopathic or osteopathic medical student in good standing, who will have successfully completed one year of medical school at a U.S. institution before starting the program is eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must be citizens of the United States or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.
  • Students holding PhD, MD, DVM, or equivalent doctoral degrees in the health sciences are not eligible to apply.
  • Applicants may not hold another award, grant or participate in another program concurrently with the MSTAR program.
  • Students must participate in the program full-time for a minimum of 8 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks. The weeks must be continuous. The didactic portion of the program will take place in late June and July.
  • Research project must be focused on aging.
  • The stipend level is approximately $2,110 per month; actual amounts will vary based on the specific appointment period of individual students. Students will NOT receive additional funds for travel and housing.

For more information about the MSTAR program, please email us at healthyaging@health.ucsd.edu.