Many physicians are actively engaged in research that enhances scientific understanding of aging and the causes and treatment of illnesses that afflict older adults. Often their research is carried out in collaboration with colleagues at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and other schools within the university, as well as at institutions throughout the United States and the world.
Clinician-researchers in the Geriatrics program publish in leading medical journals and use their research to bring about innovation in teaching geriatrics and improving the care of vulnerable older adults. The research conducted falls generally into the following categories:
- Chronic illness care (particularly cancer care) in older adults
- Exceptional longevity
- Innovation in geriatrics education and practice
Exceptional Longevity
Directed by Dr. Thomas Perls MD, MPH, the New England Centenarian Study (NECS) began in 1995 and has since grown to be the largest biopsychosocial and genetic study of centenarians and their families in the world. With funding from the National Institute on Aging, the goal of the NECS has been to understand the determinants of exceptional longevity.
For more information on the New England Centenarian Study visit our website or call toll-free (USA and Canada): 888.333.6327.
We are also one of four study centers of the multi-center Long Life Family Study. The purpose of this population-based study is to enroll approximately 250 families per site that have multiple members demonstrating exceptional longevity.
Opportunities for Fellows, House Staff, Medical Students & Graduate Students
Short and longer term mentored research opportunities are available to medical and graduate students, residents and fellows both within and outside of Boston University for the following areas of interest:
- Exceptional longevity
- Care of older patients with chronic kidney disease
- Innovation in Geriatrics education and practice
- Summer scholarships are available on a competitive basis to Boston University medical students through the American Federation of Aging Research (AFAR) Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) program.
If you would like to explore the possibility of participating in research based within Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center's Section of Geriatrics, please contact the Geriatrics Education Office at geri.ed@bmc.org.