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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 seventh 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 year. The scholarships will provide travel and accommodations for an overnight training workshop to be held April 23-25, 2025 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 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 2025 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, early stage investigators, and individuals from groups under-represented in research careers (e.g., women, ethnic/racial minorities, people with disabilities). 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 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 21, 2024: Click here to register. 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.

Key Dates

Announcement Release: October 25, 2024
Informational Webinar: November 21, 2024
Applications Due: January 10, 2025
Selected Scholars Notified: February 14, 2025
MCCs Scholars Workshop: April 23-25, 2025

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

Attachment:AGING_MCCs Scholars_RFA_2024-5_FINAL.docx

Frequently Asked Questions

Attachment:AGING_MCCs Scholars_FAQ_2024-5_FINAL.docx

First Name

* must provide value

Last Name

* must provide value

Degree(s)

* must provide value

Location

* must provide value

Demographics
The following demographic questions are optional, and relate to the AGING Initiative's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Gender

* must provide value

Male

Female

Other

Prefer not to identify

reset

Other (please specify)

Race (check all that apply)

* must provide value

American Indian or Alaska Native

Asian

Black or African American

Hispanic or Latino

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

White

Prefer not to identify

Other (please specify)

Ethnicity

* must provide value

Hispanic or Latino

Not Hispanic or Latino

Prefer not to identify

reset

The AGING Initiative is committed to providing opportunities to develop research careers and improve participation for individuals from groups demonstrated to have low representation in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences and to fostering diversity.

Please indicate if the NIH's definition of underrepresented populations applies to you (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html).

* must provide value

Yes

Prefer not to identify

reset

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

reset

Current Positions

* must provide value

Expand

Field of Study

* must provide value

Expand

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

* must provide value

Yes No

reset

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 prior accomplishments and/or evidence of potential to lead or participate in collaborative research.

(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

Please detail your interests and aspirations related to MCC research.

* must provide value

Expand

Please describe your prior accomplishments and/or evidence of potential to lead or participate in collaborative research.

* must provide value

Expand

Please describe how your research might have an impact on or relevance to individuals living with multiple chronic conditions.

* must provide value

Expand

Please describe your goals for participating in the MCC Scholars Program.

* must provide value

Expand

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MCCs Scholars Application

Program Information

Applicant Information

Application Requirements

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