The National Institute on Aging (NIA), The Atlantic Philanthropies (USA), The John A. Hartford Foundation, the Starr Foundation, the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) and an anonymous donor are collaborating on this initiative to sustain and promote the research careers of clinically trained individuals who are pursuing research careers in aging. Deadline for application receipt date is December 6, 2012.The K08 RFA can be accessed here and the K23 RFA here. The participating foundations do not pay facilities and administrative costs.

All scientific/research inquiries should be directed to:

Chyren Hunter, PhD
Office of Extramural Activities, NIA
(301) 496-9322 or hunterc@nia.nih.gov

Stephen Korn, PhD
Director of Training and Career Development, NINDS
(301) 496-4188 or korns@ninds.nih.gov

About the Program · History of the Beeson Program

The Beeson program had its impetus in a series of Institute of Medicine reports that, beginning in 1978, highlighted a growing need for physicians trained in aging-related issues. After the 1993 report called for more support of geriatrics research and training, Donna Regenstreif, PhD, Senior Program Officer of The John A. Hartford Foundation; Margaret Mahoney, then-President of The Commonwealth Fund; and Ray Handlan, Senior Advisor of The Atlantic Philanthropies, began discussing joint strategies for addressing the shortage of physicians interested in aging and dedicated to teaching, research, and practice.

In 1994, a group of foundations and nonprofit organizations launched the Paul B. Beeson Physician Faculty Scholars in Aging Research Program, now known as the Paul B. Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research Program. This group set out a large award—$450,000 over three years—and named the program after one of medicine's leading physician-scientists. It gathered some of the most talented senior leaders in geriatrics and aging research to oversee the award winners' selection. The intent was to create a dynamic new cadre of physician-scientists capable of developing breakthrough research, committed to mentoring and teaching the next generation of physicians about the care of older adults, and able to provide needed leadership for the field. In 2004, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) added its support to the program, expanding the size of the award to $600,000 to $800,000 for a three- to five-year period. NIA and the American Federation for Aging Research currently share administrative responsibilities for the program, with AFAR conducting the Beeson annual meeting.

About Dr. Paul Beeson

This distinguished leader in medicine, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 97, exemplified the word "physician" — accomplished in the art of healing and the treatment of disease. His contributions as a scientist, clinician, and teacher have greatly expanded knowledge and understanding of the human condition, and in pursuing his work, he never lost focus on the importance of care in serving people. Dr. Beeson was Chairman of Medicine at Emory and Yale Medical Schools, Nuffield Professor at Oxford University and Professor and distinguished VA Physician at the University of Washington. He chaired the first Institute of Medicine study on "Aging and Medical Education" in 1978. His leadership as an editor of the Cecil Textbook of Medicine greatly influenced medical education. From his research and patient care base, he grew increasingly interested in the process of aging. This interest led to a commitment that included his editorship of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. He profoundly influenced the career paths of many young physicians, several of whom now form the core leadership in geriatric medicine. Dr. Beeson was, in short, a physician who exemplified the William Osler tradition of excellence. Read more about Dr. Beeson here.

Read about Beeson Scholars.

For additional information contact AFAR at grants@afar.org or (212) 703-9977.

 

Want to learn more about the program? Browse through the following annual and anniversary reports:

• The 2012 Paul B. Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research Program Report featuring the 2010 Scholars
• The 2011 Paul B. Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research Program Report featuring the 2009 Scholars
• The 2010 Paul B. Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research Program Report featuring the 2008 Scholars
• The 2009 Paul B. Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research Program Report featuring the 2007 Scholars
• The 2008 Paul B. Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research Program Report featuring the 2006 Scholars
• The 10th Anniversary Paul B. Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research Program Report 1994-2004
• The 2006 Paul B. Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research Program Annual Report featuring the 2004 Scholars
• The 2005 Paul B. Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research Program Annual Report featuring the 2003 Scholars
• The 2004 Paul B. Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research Program Annual Report featuring the 2002 Scholars
• The 2003 Paul Beeson Physician Faculty Scholars in Aging Research Program Annual Report featuring the 2001 Scholars

The John A. Hartford Foundation has developed a compendium for improving geriatics training and care for older adults in the form of action briefs. These briefs offer models and practical details about cost-effective program implementation. The Beeson Program action brief "Nurturing Leaders in Geriatrics Research: Creating a Pathway to Needed Medical Discoveries and Treatments" can be found here. To see all the action briefs go here.