Geriatric Academic Career Award

Program Guidance: Guidelines for Letters of Reference

Title of Award: Geriatric Academic Career Award

Name of Applicant: (Last, first, middle)

Name of Respondent: (Last, first, middle)

The applicant is applying to the Health Resources and Services Administration for a Geriatric Academic Career Award (GACA). The purpose of this award is to increase the number of junior faculty at accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical schools by promoting the development of their careers as academic geriatricians. These awards provide up to three years of support and require applicants to devote at least 75 percent of their time to career development for the duration of the award. The award is available to persons who have demonstrated considerable potential to become academic geriatricians, but who need additional supervised experience in a productive academic setting.

We would appreciate receiving your evaluation of the above applicant with special reference to:

• commitment to an academic career in geriatrics;
• capacity to provide leadership as a teacher; and
• potential for a career as a clinical scholar.

Any related comments that you may wish to provide are welcomed. These references will be used by HRSA objective review committees of consultants in assessing applicants.

Complete the letter in English on letterhead. Return your reference letter to the applicant sealed in the envelope as soon as possible. Reference letters must be submitted with the application.