Regenstrief research scientists and Indiana University School of Medicine faculty Nicole Fowler, PhD, MHSA, and Christopher Callahan, M.D., will be co-leading a new IU training program focused on social and behavioral research in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia research. Brittney-Shea Herbert, PhD, assistant dean for physician scientist development at IU School of Medicine, is also a co-director of the new training program.
The five-year T32 grant to Indiana University from the National Institute on Aging will create The Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Medical Scientist Training Program for M.D.-PhD students. The program will leverage the strengths and significant funding of IU’s Alzheimer’s disease research infrastructure, which includes the IU Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana Alzheimer Disease Research Center.
Additionally, the curriculum also will bridge to the social and behavioral science strengths of the newly-established Irsay Family Research Institute that specializes in the sociomedical sciences. This new training program will be part of the IU School of Medicine Medical Scientist Training Program and expand graduate and research training to the medical neuroscience program at the IU School of Medicine Stark Neurosciences Research Institute and IU Bloomington’s Department of Sociology, which has a top-ranked graduate program.
“This program is one of the few M.D.-PhD programs in the country that will focus on social and behavioral science training in Alzheimer’s disease. This is crucial to grow the pipeline of scientists trying to tackle the complex clinical, social and policy issues of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Fowler. “We hope this program will encourage the students to choose a career in Alzheimer’s disease research.”
Drs. Fowler and Herbert will help develop the program, including creating the admissions and mentoring processes. Dr. Callahan will offer career guidance to the students.
About Nicole R. Fowler, PhD, MHSA
In addition to her role as associate director of the Indiana University Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief Institute, Nicole R. Fowler, PhD, MHSA, is also an associate professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine and an implementation scientist in the Center for Health and Innovation and Implementation Science.
About Christopher M. Callahan, M.D.
In addition to his role as a research scientist at Regenstrief Institute, Christopher M. Callahan, M.D., is chief research and development officer at Eskenazi Health and a professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine.
About Brittney-Shea Herbert, PhD
Brittney-Shea Herbert, PhD, is the assistant dean for physician scientist development and an associate professor of medical and molecular genetics at Indiana University School of Medicine.
About Regenstrief Institute
Founded in 1969 in Indianapolis, the Regenstrief Institute is a local, national and global leader dedicated to a world where better information empowers people to end disease and realize true health. A key research partner to Indiana University, Regenstrief and its research scientists are responsible for a growing number of major healthcare innovations and studies. Examples range from the development of global health information technology standards that enable the use and interoperability of electronic health records to improving patient-physician communications, to creating models of care that inform practice and improve the lives of patients around the globe.
Sam Regenstrief, a nationally successful entrepreneur from Connersville, Indiana, founded the institute with the goal of making healthcare more efficient and accessible for everyone. His vision continues to guide the institute’s research mission.
About IU School of Medicine
IU School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the U.S. and is annually ranked among the top medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers high-quality medical education, access to leading medical research and rich campus life in nine Indiana cities, including rural and urban locations consistently recognized for livability.
