My personal experience encouraged my natural inclination towards the specialty of geriatrics. As a kid, I spent hours with older adults at my dad’s motel. As I reflected on their battles with their chronic medical conditions, I recognized the importance of respecting their opinions as elders and incorporating their views as part of an effective treatment plan. I continue to appreciate that the role of a geriatrician as an advocate for patients, families, and the medical system. Geriatric medicine has become the perfect vehicle to weave my personal principles into my professional career.
I'm interested in exploring non-pharmacological interventions for behavioral challenges in patients with dementia in the long term care setting as well as in preventing delirium in hospitalized elders. Part of our work has included launching Project CALM (Confusion Avoidance Led by Music) in the hospital. This is a quality improvement program to reduce pain and anxiety in older patients undergoing elective surgeries. Additionally, I am interested in exploring the role of inpatient palliative care consults for hospitalized elders with dementia.
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