Last month, leading academic researchers in the field of geriatric mental health met for the Challenges in Recruitment, Retention, and Career Development in Geriatric Mental Health Research conference in Potomac, Maryland. Co-chaired by Barry Lebowitz, PhD, and Stephen J. Bartels, MD, MS, the objectives of the meeting were to identify potential barriers for those seeking research careers in geriatric mental health and to explore ways to support its future viability, vitality, and growth. The 2-day meeting included panel discussions on getting started in a research career; keeping researchers in the field with funding opportunities, mentoring, and institutional support; the NIMH perspective; and program opportunities for researchers.
Overall, participants were pleased with the breadth of information discussed and the overall dynamic and interaction of the participants at the conference. To keep the momentum going, Drs. Lebowitz and Bartels are coordinating the writing of a white paper and a peer-reviewed journal article. Look for more information on these and other upcoming projects in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Stephen J. Bartels, MD, MS; Martha L. Bruce, PhD, MPH; Maureen Halpain, MS; Barry D. Lebowitz, PhD;
Charles F. Reynolds III, MD; Gwenn Smith, PhD; Joel E. Streim, MD; Jürgen Unützer, MD, MPH, MA
Physician assistant attitude and expressed intent to work with geriatric patients
Woolsey LJ.
Gerontol Geriatr Educ. 2007;28(1):61-78.
This study evaluated attitudes of physician assistant students and practicing physician assistants toward geriatric patients and the intent of practicing in the specialized field of geriatric medicine using a cross-sectional study design.
Identifying future scientists: predicting persistence into research training.
McGee R, Keller JL.
Life Sci Educ. 2007 Winter;6(4):316-31.
This study attempted to identify characteristics among college undergraduates that predicted persistence into Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. training.
An introduction to foundation and industry-sponsored research: practical and ethical considerations.
Margolin KA, van Besien K, Peace DJ.
Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2007:498-503.
This article addresses the challenges of finding adequate support for research and discusses alternative sources of funding.
MostViewedPresentations 
The Focus on Geriatric Mental Health
Martha L. Bruce, PhD, MPH
In this brief presentation, Dr. Bruce highlights the key question of why we need to focus on geriatric mental health.
K Hints
Greg Siegle, PhD; Charles F. Reynolds III, MD
The NIH Mentored Career Development Awards, better known as K awards, are intended to assist postdocs and early career scientists in making the transition to independent investigators. In his discussion with Dr. Reynolds, Dr. Siegle shares his experience with successfully applying for the K award and gives useful information for others ready to take this important step.
MostReadArticles 
Preparing Junior Investigators To Develop Gerontological Research.
Holston EC, Schweitzer R, Meeker ME, Hendrix CC, Gaspar PM, Kossman S, Piamjariyakul U.
Nurs Outlook. 2006 Sep-Oct;54(5):287-293.
There is a growing concern about the number of junior investigators in nursing committed to gerontological research. This article discusses the feedback of 8 junior investigators participating in a week-long intensive program for gerontological research.
UCSD's Short-Term Research Training Programs for Trainees at Different Levels of Career Development.
Jeste DV, Halpain MC,Trinidad GI, Reichstadt JL,Lebowitz BD.
Acad Psychiatry. 2007 Mar-Apr;31(2):160-167.
There is a critical need for new researchers in psychiatry, including subspecialties such as geriatric psychiatry. In this article, the authors describe several successful short-term research training programs.
InTheNews
Small Raise for NIH, CDC budgets
The Scientist.com, December 17, 2007
The latest proposal for the NIH 2008 budget gives the agency a less than 1% increase from an FY07 budget of roughly $29 billion. A final version is expected from Congress later this week.
NIH Casts Critical Eye on How It Gives Grants
Chronicle of Higher Education.com, December 7, 2007
The NIH has begun its broadest-ever self-examination of how the agency chooses grant proposals for biomedical research.
List of Top Academic Employers Evolves
Inside Higher Ed.com, December 5, 2007
The Harvard University-based Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) has released a new list of “exemplary” higher education employers based on surveys of 78 colleges and universities.
CareerAutobiographyDilip V. Jeste, MD
Dr. Jeste, medical specialist and internationally known researcher in geriatric psychiatry, details his career trajectory. Other career autobiographies can be found in the Researcher Roadmaps section.
EventsCalendar
35th Annual Current Topics in Geriatrics
When: January 17-19
Where: Baltimore, MD
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc Part II Oral Examination
When: January 18-20
Where: N/A
AGHE 34th Annual Meeting and Educational Leadership Conference
When: February 21-24
Where: Baltimore, MD
MedEdResources
GrantsNet
GrantsNet, a searchable database of funding opportunities in biomedical research and science education, lists programs offering training and research funding for graduate and medical students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty.
Geriatric Mental Health Foundation
The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation develops programs to enhance communication and foster broad collaboration between the geriatric mental health research community, mental health care providers, and the general public.
Science Careers
Whether it's career advice or the latest job opportunities, scientists can count on ScienceCareers.org to provide the best resources to help further their scientific careers.
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