Member Profiles

How did you become involved in the AGS?

Early in my career, I was part of a panel presentation - my first contact with the AGS.  I was struck with the approachability of all AGS members, from the world renowned to a variety of interdisciplinary students.  Everyone was accessible and interested in a dialogue or discussion of aging issues. The milieu of the AGS continues to be supportive, encouraging and open.  My involvement has broadened my knowledge and has given me resources and connections at my fingertips.

As a Social Worker member, what types of AGS resources are important to you?

Professional contacts and the accessibility of those members and AGS staff. (Staff even connected me with an unknown relative!) I keep up and participate in legislative and lobbying efforts.  Of particular interest are mental health issues, aging women, and cultural issues.  I have been involved in education and furthering the AGS's goal of interprofessional representation and input in their membership. The AGS has been on the forefront of developing this inclusiveness.

What do you enjoy most about geriatrics?

I am constantly amazed and humbled at the diversity, heterogeneity, and survivorship of this group of individuals. Their stories and the lives they have lived continue to challenge and humble me as a health care provider. One cannot make assumptions about this generation.

How have your personal experiences and stories helped shape the way you work?

I try to maintain an approach of dignity and communication. I listen.  My goal is to help the person say what they want and need and to help translate those concerns to others.  One of my strengths is translating theory, medical issues into very practical steps. Also I believe in the concept of "who you are now, is what you were when”-- how the past affects your present day behavior, for example, living through the depression and how money is spent or saved. Historical time lines can help us understand our patients’ behavior.

What do you value about AGS membership?

The stellar annual conferences advance interdisciplinary collaboration, offering opportunities to network and exchange ideas with colleagues. Having a background in nursing, I value the multidisciplinary collegial environment, which encourages healthcare professionals with an interest in geriatrics to contribute equally. Our collective expertise has influenced the practice of geriatrics, aging research, education, and health policy and has strengthened our voice in advocating for older adults. The AGS and its members share my passion to improve the lives of older adults, and it is my privilege to belong to and serve this valuable organization.

How has AGS membership helped you in your career and professional life?

The AGS has helped me to stay current on clinical issues such as medication management, the quality of care in nursing homes, identifying and treating depression and dementia in older adults, new clinical care guidelines, and the latest in scientific advancements in clinical aging research. I continue to use AGS information and materials as a teaching resource for nursing and other healthcare students and trainees.

The AGS has also proved invaluable in my own research on urinary incontinence in older adults with chronic diseases like heart failure or who undergo hip fracture repair. Many of my research collaborators are AGS members and the scientific meeting is a great venue to network and further these and new collaborations.

How did you become involved with the AGS?

I’m not a geriatrician—my field is urology—but I’ve been involved in geriatrics since the mid ‘90s. I joined the AGS in 1998, and became a fellow of the society in 2012. The AGS has launched and plays key roles in a wide range of programs that improve healthcare for older adults, and this is important to me.

I first got involved with the society after my mother, who had Alzheimer’s, moved to a long-term care facility. I discovered that the urologic care there was poor. I said something to the nursing home, but was, essentially, told to stay out of it because I wasn’t “on staff.” So I went to the American Urological Association and spoke with the then-Secretary of the organization about what had happened. I’ll never forget what he told me. He said, “How interesting! The American Geriatrics Society has called, looking for someone to represent urology in its Geriatrics for Specialists Initiative (GSI).” That’s how I became the GSI’s urologic representative.

What do you value about AGS membership?

I’ve attended every one of the AGS’ annual meetings since becoming a member. To learn more about geriatrics, I made a point of going to the meetings’ educational sessions. They were invaluable. The personal contacts are important; I’ve gotten to know a number of nationally prominent geriatricians very well and personally. Other benefits are all the resources the AGS has created, including Geriatrics at Your Fingertips, and the Geriatrics Syllabus for Specialists.