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MCCs Scholars Application

The NIH-funded Health Care Systems Research Network (HCSRN) and Older Americans Independence Centers (OAICs) AGING Initiative is in the eighth 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 16 scholars this cycle. The scholarships will provide travel and accommodations for an overnight training workshop to be held May 6-8, 2026, 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 Insights and Perspectives for Patients and carePartners Panel (IP4) based on shared research interests. The MCCs Scholars Program aims to foster a nationwide community and mentoring network to extend and sustain MCCs research.

What is MCCs Research and why is it important?

MCCs research is the study of multiple chronic conditions (i.e., having 2 or more concurrent chronic conditions).[1] There is increasing recognition that the most common "chronic condition" in older adults is multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). Yet, due to the dominance of a disease-specific approach to clinical research, there is a dearth of strong research evidence to guide clinical practice and inform shared clinical decision-making relevant to the care of patients with MCCs. Developing partnerships with patients, caregivers, and other scientists committed to MCCs research is a key component of studying MCCs.

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 may be given to applicants who are in an earlier stage of career (e.g., not yet received an R01 or tenure, or attained these milestones only recently) and those who have published in the area of MCCs
Must attend the May 2026 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)

We strongly encourage applications from trainees and early-stage investigators. We seek 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 by completing the submission form below. 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.

What should I do if I have additional questions?

An informational webinar about the Scholars Program will be held on October 9, 2025 at 12pm ET. Register in advance by visiting this link: https://bit.ly/4fW7uiY. If you miss the informational webinar, a recording will be posted here: https://theaginginitiative.wordpress.com/mccs-scholars-program/.

Inquiries can also be made directly to Ollie Desrochers at Ollie.Desrochers@umassmed.edu.

Key Dates

RFA Release: September 2, 2025

Informational Webinar: October 9, 2025, at 12pm ET

Applications Due: October 31, 2025

Selected Scholars Notified: December 22, 2025

MCCs Scholars Workshop: May 6-8, 2026

[1] Please refer to the 2010 US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) MCC Framework report for more information on MCCs.

Attachment:Cycle 8_MCCs Scholars_RFA_2025-6_FINAL_2.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Attachment:Cycle 8_MCCs Scholars_FAQ_2025-6_FINAL_2.pdf

First Name

* must provide value

Last Name

* must provide value

Degree(s)

* must provide value

Location

* must provide value

Professional Background

Affiliation

* must provide value

HCSRN

OAIC

NIA/NIH

Other

Unsure

Institution

* must provide value

Academic Rank

* must provide value

Fellow

Junior Faculty

Assistant Professor

Associate Professor or Above

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Current Positions

This refers to your current professional position(s), including academic titles, clinical roles, and leadership appointments as applicable.

* must provide value

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Field of Study

Please provide a brief list or statement of your primary area(s) of research focus. For example, "polypharmacy and cognitive impairment," "palliative care, health services research, behavioral health," etc.

* must provide value

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Have you previously applied to the AGING Initiative MCCs Scholars Program?

* must provide value

Yes No

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Please upload biosketch. It is expected that this will be formatted to the most recent NIH guidelines.

https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm

* must provide value

Upload file

Please upload a word document responding to the following 3 points:

1. Please describe your interest in MCCs and evidence of your potential to become a leader in this research field. Please also address your interest and potential to engage patients and care partners in your research program and any history of interdisciplinary collaboration.

(400 word limit)

2. Please describe using lay language how your research might have an impact on or relevance to individuals living with multiple chronic conditions. This response will be read and reviewed by our Insights and Perspectives from Patients and carePartners Panel (IP4).

(400 word limit)

3. Please describe how participation in this program will contribute to your long-term goals and career plan.

(400 word limit)

* must provide value

Upload file

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MCCs Scholars Application

Program Information

Applicant Information

Application Requirements

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