The Aging Initiative at Drexel University College of Medicine is dedicated to research and education as it relates to aging. The initiative was established in two phases.

During phase one, the initiative was focused on faculty and student recruitment. Candidates were chosen based on their interest in aging research and medicine. Additionally, topics about aging were added to program curricula to disseminate knowledge of advances in aging research being conducted at the College of Medicine.

Predoctoral fellowships, a phase one priority, have been established to support aging-related research at the College of Medicine.

During phase two, the Aging Initiative hopes to emphasize the additional recruitment of Drexel faculty and encourage collaboration between faculty at Drexel and other institutions.

Current Activities of the Aging Initiative

1. Predoctoral fellowship program to support students with an interest in aging research
2. Fellowship program to support medical residents and fellows with an interest in aging research
3. Research program to support summer research for first and second year medical students
4. Undergraduate summer research program
5. Support for external seminars to educate clinical and basic research faculty

Predoctoral Fellowships in Aging-Related Research

In March 2008, Drexel University College of Medicine established the Drexel Graduate Fellowships in Aging Research to provide support for predoctoral students with an interest in aging-related research.

Students applying for 36-month fellowships must have completed more than 18 months of study and selected a thesis laboratory. An outside panel with expertise in the basic biology of aging evaluates applications based on:

1. Scientific merit
2. Relevance to the basic biology of aging
3. Potential impact on laboratory research direction
4. Potential for student career development

MD Resident and Fellow Awards for Research in Aging

In March 2010, the Aging Initiative established a fellowship program for medical doctors in their postgraduate training period. Medical residents and fellows can apply for these fellowships to pursue independent research in their area of clinical training. The fellowships provide funds for supplies and travel to national and international meetings. They enable physicians in training to establish a research program that can develop during their training period and beyond.

 
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