- Congratulations to Dr. Rainier P. Soriano on being awarded the 2024 Dennis W. Jahnigen Memorial Award for his work advancing geriatrics education. He will receive the award at #AGS24 https://ow.ly/XaCz50RooEr
New York (April 25, 2024) — Today, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) announced that Rainier P. Soriano, MD, will be honored with the Dennis W. Jahnigen Memorial Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the education of health professionals in geriatric care. Dr. Soriano's exemplary work in teaching, curriculum development, educational leadership, research, service, and mentorship has markedly improved the knowledge, competence, and skills of those caring for older adults. This prestigious award highlights his dedication and excellence in these domains, underscoring his role as a pivotal figure in advancing geriatric education and healthcare.
Serving as a Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) in New York City, Dr. Soriano has established himself as a master clinician-educator and a national leader in both geriatrics and medical education.
His career, founded on a deep commitment to the well-being of vulnerable older adults and individuals with serious illnesses, has led to transformative improvements in medical education and geriatric care.
The AGS will present the award to Dr. Soriano, at the AGS 2024 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting (#AGS24) May 9 – 11 (pre-conference days: Tuesday & Wednesday, May 7-8).
"Dr. Soriano exemplifies humanistic medicine, consistently displaying compassion, empathy, and a nuanced sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of patients and their families,” said AGS President Donna Fick, PhD, RN, GCNS-BC, AGSF, FGSA, FAAN. “Originally from the Philippines, Dr. Soriano never envisioned a career in the United States. Rooted in a culture where the concept of geriatrics is deeply ingrained as a familial responsibility, his path took an unexpected turn when the opportunity to train in the U.S. presented itself toward the end of medical school in Manila. During that formative period, he discovered the field of geriatrics and quickly realized that he had found his passion – improving the well-being of older adults. He made a conscious decision to pursue a career in geriatrics where, for over two decades he has been a true innovator in geriatrics and medical education. He has a unique gift for making new knowledge exciting, engaging, and relevant for learners. He receives the prestigious Dennis W. Jahnigen Award for his commitment to advancing geriatrics education and tirelessly working with students, embodying the spirit of the award's namesake, the late Dr. Dennis W. Jahnigen, a compassionate geriatrician, and dedicated educator. Dr. Soriano's impact reaches beyond physical location, influencing national healthcare education and shaping the future of geriatrics."
Under his leadership since 2000, the Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program at Icahn Mount Sinai has evolved into one of the nation's premier initiatives in aging and palliative care research, thanks to his revitalization efforts. Dr. Soriano's guidance has facilitated mentorship for over 250 medical students in geriatrics and palliative medicine research, leading to noteworthy contributions to peer-reviewed publications and national research awards. His success in securing a 5-year T35 grant from the NIA in 2020, with initial support from The John A. Hartford Foundation, has not only sustained but also expanded the MSTAR Program, allowing students from various institutions to collaborate with Mount Sinai's esteemed researchers.
Beyond the MSTAR program, Dr. Soriano's role as Associate Editor in Geriatrics for the AAMC's MedEdPORTAL has been pivotal in enhancing the quality and dissemination of geriatrics education materials. His editorial work has set new standards for educational content, benefiting learners and educators alike. As the lead editor and author of The Bates Guide to Physical Diagnosis and History Taking, Dr. Soriano has significantly updated this cornerstone textbook. By integrating clinical skills training and focusing on the care of older adults, he has brought this essential resource into the 21st century, thereby modernizing medical education.
Dr. Soriano's active participation in AGS plenaries, workshops, and publications, along with his mentorship roles, demonstrates his substantial contribution to the field. His efforts have not only enriched the AGS community but also propelled the field of geriatrics forward, ensuring better care for older adults.
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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. Our 6,000+ members include geriatricians, geriatrics nurse practitioners, social workers, family practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and internists who are pioneers in advanced illness care for older individuals, with a focus on championing interprofessional teams, eliciting personal care goals, and treating older people as whole persons. AGS believes in a just society, one where we all are supported by and able to contribute to communities where ageism, ableism, classism, homophobia, racism, sexism, xenophobia, and other forms of bias and discrimination no longer impact healthcare access, quality, and outcomes for older adults and their caregivers. AGS advocates for policies and programs that support the health, independence, and quality of life of all of us as we age. AGS works across patient care, research, professional and public education, and public policy to improve the health, independence, and quality of life of all older people. For more information, visit AmericanGeriatrics.org.
About the Dennis W. Jahnigen Award
The late Dennis W. Jahnigen, MD, was a compassionate geriatrician and acclaimed educator who dedicated his life to training future leaders. Today, his namesake award recognizes an AGS member committed to working with students and advancing geriatrics education in schools of health and medicine.
About the AGS Annual Scientific Meeting
The AGS Annual Scientific Meeting is the premier educational event in geriatrics, providing the latest information on clinical care, research on aging, and innovative models of care delivery. More than 2,600 nurses, pharmacists, physicians, physician assistants, social workers, long-term care and managed care providers, healthcare administrators, and others will convene virtually, May 9 – 11 (pre-conference days: Tuesday & Wednesday, May 7-8) to advance geriatrics knowledge and skills through state-of-the-art educational sessions and research presentations. For more information, visit https://meeting.americangeriatrics.org/.