Named in honor of two pillars of geriatrics who advanced clinical leadership and health scholarship for more than two decades, this new distinction from the AGS will support emerging clinician-investigators beginning in 2017
- New Thomas & Catherine Yoshikawa Award from @AmerGeriatrics celebrates legacy of scientific achievement in #geriatrics
Long Beach, Calif. (May 19, 2016)—The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and its Health in Aging Foundation today announced their newest honor for recognizing excellence in geriatrics research: the Thomas and Catherine Yoshikawa Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement in Clinical Investigation. Named in honor of Dr. Thomas T. Yoshikawa and his wife, Catherine—who together served the AGS and the geriatrics community for more than two decades—the Yoshikawa Award will offer recognition and financial support to emerging eldercare scholars who represent the early promise of the Yoshikawas’ own illustrious career.
“AGS leaders are delighted to be celebrating Tom and Cathy Yoshikawa with this named award,” said Nancy E. Lundebjerg, MPA, CEO of the AGS. “The award criteria reflect their commitment to fostering clinical research and to mentoring investigators at all stages of their careers.”
Deputy Chief of Staff for Geriatrics and Long-term Care at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Distinguished Professor of Medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles, Professor of Medicine at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, and an AGS member since 1981, Dr. Yoshikawa has published more than 200 scientific articles, 75 book chapters, and 17 books across his career. Not surprisingly, his leadership of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) as Editor-in-Chief from 2000-2016—supported, of course, by Mrs. Yoshikawa as Editorial Assistant—reflects that same pioneering spirit. JAGS is now included in more than 9,000 library collections and has been recognized as one of the oldest and most impactful publications on gerontology and geriatrics, according to ISI Journal Citation Reports®.
Yet the Yoshikawas are perhaps best known as trusted colleagues, mentors, and friends to countless AGS members, researchers, healthcare professionals, and students who have benefitted from their commitment to service leadership.
“We were so humbled when we learned that the AGS and Health in Aging Foundation decided to honor us with a named award,” said Dr. and Mrs. Yoshikawa. “We feel it’s so important to nurture early career investigators and are delighted that the Yoshikawa Award does just that by recognizing exceptional accomplishments from those who will shape the future of geriatrics.”
Announced at the 2016 AGS Annual Scientific Meeting in Long Beach, Calif., the Yoshikawa Award will recognize the research accomplishments of mid-career clinician-investigators directly involved in the care of older adults. The AGS will name the first award recipient at its 75th anniversary celebration during the 2017 AGS Annual Scientific Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. The award, which includes a $2,000 honoraria, has been supported for the next 15 years thanks to generous support from AGS members and countless friends and colleagues of the Dr. and Mrs. Yoshikawa. For more information or to make a contribution, visit americangeriatrics.org
About the American Geriatrics Society
Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nationwide, not-for-profit society of geriatrics healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of older people. Its nearly 6,000 members include geriatricians, geriatric nurses, social workers, family practitioners, physician assistants, consulting pharmacists, and internists. The Society provides leadership to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public by implementing and advocating for programs in patient care, research, professional and public education, and public policy. For more information, visit americangeriatrics.org.