Strategies for enhancing research in aging health disparities by mentoring diverse investigators. Issue 3 (23rd February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harawa, Nina T.; Manson, Spero M.; Mangione, Carol M.; Penner, Louis A.; Norris, Keith C.; DeCarli, Charles; Scarinci, Isabel C.; Zissimopoulos, Julie; Buchwald, Dedra S.; Hinton, Ladson; Pérez-Stable, Eliseo J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical and translational science. Volume 1:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 167
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2017-02-23
• Subjects: Mentorship, -- underrepresentation in science, -- training program, -- biomedical research, -- diversity; Clinical medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Medicine, Experimental -- Periodicals; Human experimentation in medicine -- Periodicals; 616.027
• DOI: 10.1017/cts.2016.23
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2059-8661

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: The Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) program was launched in 1997. Its goal is to build infrastructure to improve the well-being of older racial/ethnic minorities by identifying mechanisms to reduce health disparities. Methods: Its primary objectives are to mentor faculty in research addressing the health of minority elders and to enhance the diversity of the workforce that conducts elder health research by prioritizing the mentorship of underrepresented diverse scholars. Results: Through 2015, 12 centers received RCMAR awards and provided pilot research funding and mentorship to 361 scholars, 70% of whom were from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups. A large majority (85%) of RCMAR scholars from longstanding centers continue in academic research. Another 5% address aging and other health disparities through nonacademic research and leadership roles in public health agencies. Conclusions: Longitudinal, team-based mentoring, cross-center scholar engagement, and community involvement in scholar development are important contributors to RCMAR's success.