Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society

Who We Are

As a regional affiliate of the American Geriatrics Society, the organization provides leadership for professionals, policy makers and the public in the area served. The organization aids in the efforts of the American Geriatrics Society in developing, implementing and advocating programs in patient care, research, professional education, public policy and public information for the Pennsylvania and region. 

27th Annual Clinical Update in Geriatric Medicine 

More than 390 geriatrics professionals from all disciplines, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, social workers, long-term care and managed care providers, and health care administrators participated in the 27^th Annual Clinical Update in Geriatric Medicine conference held at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center Hotel April 25-27. The course attracted registrants from numerous states, including California, North Carolina, New York and Washington.

Previously awarded the American Geriatrics Society Achievement Award for Excellence in a CME program, this conference continues to be a well-respected resource to educate healthcare professionals involved in the direct care of older persons by providing evidence-based solutions for common medical problems that afflict older adults daily and for which rapidly evolving research (much done in Pittsburgh) is revealing new approaches that are feasible for the real world.

Under the leadership of course directors Shuja Hassan, MD, and Neil M. Resnick, MD, who worked tirelessly with the planning committee, the course is a premier educational event in the region. The course attracts prominent international and national lecturers and nationally renowned local faculty.

New this year, a Geriatric Cardiology Symposium and Cardiology Expert Panel Q&A,, which was rated exceptional by attendees. The symposium and Cardiology panel featured guest faculty  Parag Goyal, MD, MSc, and Benjamin Wessler, MD with local faculty presenters Daniel Forman, MD and Jared Magnani, MD. Another highlight of the conference was the lecture by guest faculty  Barbara Messinger-Rapport, MD, the “Year in Review for Geriatric Medicine,” which addressed recent advances and controversies.

The annual conference ensures that each lecture, symposium and breakout session offer participants evidence-based “pearls for practice” designed to be immediately incorporated into the realities of daily practice. 

The conference is jointly sponsored by the Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society – Western Division; UPMC/University of Pittsburgh Aging Institute; and University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences.

Fred Rubin, MD - Past President, Honored

During the meeting, a special recognition was bestowed upon Fred Rubin, MD, immediate past president of the  Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society – Western. Judith Black, MD, Secretary/Treasurer, and Course Directors Shuja Hassan, MD and Neil Resnick, MD presented a plaque to Dr. Rubin for his tireless commitment to the organization by serving as President from 2009 to 2018.

Dr. Rubin was a founding member of the Society and served as president of the PAGS-WD from 2009  until his term ended in December of 2018. He  also served as President-Elect when the Society was established, and its members met for the first time on January 29, 1991.

During Dr. Rubin's term, the Society has seen consistent growth in membership.  He was instrumental in offering a new educational program called Controversies in Geriatric Medicine, now in its fourth year.   In addition, the Society has been recognized by the AGS and awarded the State Affiliate Achievement Award for Innovative Programming, an honor bestowed upon the society on three separate occasions, two of which when Dr. Rubin was president.

SOCIETY RECOGNIZES GERIATRICS TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARDEES 

Rollin Wright, MD, MS, MPH, awards chair, highlighted the achievements and significant contributions each awardee has made to the education and training of learners in geriatrics and to the progress of geriatrics across the health professions. More than 80 attendees were on hand for the plaque presentation.

 Dr. Herb served as director of Geriatrics Education and Core Faculty at Allegheny Health Network from 2012 to 2017. She is currently the chair of AHN’s Academic Improvement Committee and contributor to the Clinical Competency Committee.

As a highly respected teacher, mentor, and innovator, Dr. Herb developed a comprehensive geriatric curriculum that is mandatory for all third-year residents at AHN. The multifaceted curriculum incorporates didactic lectures, simulation, home visits, nursing home rotations, outpatient and inpatient geriatric elective rotations, and more. More than 150 residents have participated in the geriatric curriculum thus far and 13 residents have pursued a Geriatric Fellowship since 2013 at several prestigious institutions across the country.

Dr. Hornyak  practiced physical therapy at several regional nursing facilities and UPMC Presbyterian Hospital prior to becoming a full-time faculty member within the Department of Physical Therapy (DPT) at the University of Pittsburgh in 2008, where she is responsible for coordinating and serving as the primary instructor for courses related to patient management and geriatrics in the DPT program

Rollin Wright, MD, MS, MPH Chair, Awards committee with award recipients Christine Herb, MD (Physician Award); Victoria Hornyak, PT, DPT, GCS; and Society President, Namita Ahuja, MD.

To further stimulate the interests of DPT students in geriatrics, Dr. Hornyak serves as the faculty mentor for the students’ Geriatrics Special Interest Group. She was also appointed to the University of Pittsburgh’s Working Group on Inter-professional Education as a representative of the University’s school of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

To read more on each awardees click here.

A call for nominations for the 2020 Geriatrics Teacher of the Year award will begin in September 2019.  Award eligibility, criteria and details on the nomination process will be available on the society website in August.

2019 DAVID C. MARTIN RECIPIENTS  RECOGNIZED 

The Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society – Western Division is proud to announce the 2019 recipients of the David C. Martin Award: Mr. Tyler Paras and Ms. Vivianne Oyefusi, each second-year medical students attending the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Each awardee’s abstract was accepted for poster presentation by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) at their 2019 Annual Scientific meeting, scheduled for May 2-4 in Portland, Oregon.  Mr. Paras’ abstract was also selected for presentation as a poster during the Presidential Poster Session. Abstracts receiving the highest scores through the peer review process are included in the Presidential Poster Session

Both were recognized at the dinner symposium in conjunction with the 2019 Clinical Update Geriatric Medicine on April 25, 2019, where each was presented with a certificate of excellence and honorarium. The honorarium will aid in defraying expenses to attend the AGS 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting to present their work.

The award, established in 1999, provides an honorarium of up to $1,500.00 to medical students, including students studying other healthcare disciplines (Pharmacy and Physical Therapy) from our region to attend the Annual Conference of the American Geriatrics Society. Candidates must meet the award criteria and abstract guidelines and be selected by the Board of Directors.

Since its inception, the Society is proud to have awarded over $84,500 to area medical students interested in the field of geriatric medicine.

David C. Martin Award Recipient, Ms. Vivianne Oyefusi

with Namita Ahuja, MD, President.

Namita Ahuja, MD, assumed the role of president of the Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society – Western Division (PAGS-WD) on January 1, 2019, serving a two-year term. Dr. Ahuja will oversee the Board of Directors, which is comprised of 17 healthcare professionals representing various disciplines and local institutions throughout the region. 

As president, Dr. Ahuja will work with the Board to further the Society’s goals, which include:

• Develop, support and promote the clinical practice of geriatrics and support practitioners who provide such care.

• Increase the number of physicians knowledgeable about geriatrics and committed to the clinical care of the aged.

• Engage with the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) on public policy efforts that will result in improved health care for older people.

•  Increase the membership base of the society, to foster and encourage active participation by its members and to serve the needs of the membership.

• Develop and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other professional organizations, provider groups, political and lay organizations concerned with the health care of older persons.

Dr. Ahuja succeeds Fred Rubin, MD, who was a founding member of the Society and who served as president of the PAGS-WD since 2010. Dr. Rubin also was an elected officer of the Society when its members met for the first time on January 29, 1991.

During Dr. Rubin’s term, the society has seen consistent growth in membership. He was instrumental in offering a new educational program called Controversies in Geriatric Medicine, now in its fourth year. The Society has been recognized by the AGS and awarded the State Affiliate Achievement Award for Innovative Programming, an honor bestowed upon the society on three separate occasions, two of which when Dr. Rubin was serving as president.

Dr. Ahuja and the Board of Directors are dedicated to building upon the success that Dr. Rubin established during his tenure and to fulfill the mission of the society, which has remained the same for nearly 30 years.

Dr. Ahuja earned her medical degree from Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital in her native country of India in 1994. She came to the United States the following year and completed her internal medicine residency at Methodist University Hospital of Memphis, TN in 1999, serving as chief resident for one-year. During her residency, Dr. Ahuja developed an interest in geriatric medicine. She completed a fellowship in geriatric medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2005 and has practiced within the University of Pittsburgh’s Division of Geriatrics since that time.

Dr. Ahuja currently serves as senior medical director, Medicare and Geriatric Programs, UPMC Health Plan. She is also a clinical assistant professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Board certified in geriatric medicine, Dr. Ahuja maintains certification in Hospice and Palliative Care, in addition to seeing patients in a nursing home clinic.

                                      Namita Ahuja, MD, President

                        Fred Rubin, MD , Immediate Past President

NEIL RESNICK, MD NAMED AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY (AGS)

COSAR CO-CHAIR

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) announced that Neil M. Resnick, MD, AGSF will be the next Co-Chair for its Council of State Affiliate Representatives (COSAR). Dr. Resnick is Thomas Detre Professor of Medicine and Chief of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC.

Dr. Resnick brings a wealth of leadership and knowledge to the role. His experience includes 15 years as a Board member and COSAR representative for the Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society Western Division (PAGSWD). PAGSWD is a three-time winner of the State Affiliate Achievement Award, including in 2018.

Dr. Resnick has also been active in AGS, having won its Outstanding Excellence Award for Research in 2004 and having served as an AGS Leadership Scholar, a member of 3 AGS committees, and a mentor in its national mentorship program.

Dr. Resnick is excited by his new role as he believes that State affiliates should serve the national organization in two ways: by providing AGS with information from the trenches regarding practitioners insights and priorities and by serving as AGS’ implementation arm for its education and policy initiatives. He plans to use a team approach to learn from each affiliate’s success and challenges and to identify ways to increase the value of each affiliate. His hope is to help increase the number and  membership of affiliates. He will assume his new position after the American Geriatrics Society national meeting in May, 2019.

COSAR, the governing body of the AGS State Affiliates is recognized as an important, deliberative body to promote and support affiliates. It is consists of elected member representatives, one from each of the proposed, provisional and active State Affiliates.  It meets regularly to exchange information on State Affiliate activities, and to share new ideas on development, advocacy, education, membership, public policy and other affiliate business.

FALL PROGRAM FEATURES KAREN WOLK FEINSTEIN, PhD

The Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society – Western Division (PAGS-WD) held their annual fall program on Thursday, November 1 at the University Club in Pittsburgh. Over 50 internists, family practitioners, geriatricians, pharmacists, nurses, nursing home administrators, and social workers attended the evening dinner program.  Thank you to the following who provided support: Aspire Healthcare, Astellas, CommunityLIFE, naviHealth, Optum, Portola Pharmaceuticals, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network and Valeritas.

The audience welcomed Karen Wolk Feinstein, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) and its three operating arms, The Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative (PRHI), Health Careers Futures (HCF), and the Women’s Health Activist Movement Global (WHAMglobal). Dr. Feinstein presented Living a Good Life – Not Just a Long One, which explored the challenges to find new meaning and purpose in life as we age.  Her discussion delved into the roles that define adult years – doting parent, accomplished professional and weekend warrior athlete and the changes that occur when they start to fade.  Dr. Feinstein presented that a growing body of research suggests that finding renewed purpose later in life can, quite literally, be a life-saver.  Seniors who have a clear sense of purpose in their lives tend to have better physician, mental and even spiritual health compared to those who do not. 

The annual fall program, which began in 2003, is a popular and well-respected program attracting distinguished guest speakers, comprised of both national and local faculty. For more information on becoming a member of the Society, please visit www.pagswd.org.  Members receive complimentary registration for many programs hosted by the Society. Questions may be directed be directed to Nadine Popovich, administrator by email to:  npopovich@acms.org or to (412) 321-5030.

 (left to right):  Namita Ahuja, MD; Board of Director; Judith Black, MD, MHA, Secretary/Treasurer; Fred Rubin, MD, President; and           Karen Wolk Feinstein, PhD, Guest Presenter

4th Annual Controversies in Geriatric Medicine

June 19

The Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society – Western Division welcomed attendees to the 4th annual Controversies in Geriatric Medicine program held June 19th at the Herberman Conference Center, Pittsburgh, PA.  The program was made possible with sponsorship from:  Medstart^TM , naviHealth, Optum, Portolo Pharmaceuticals, and Sanofi Pasteur.

Navigating Difficult Decisions presented the case of an 80-year old woman with diabetes and generalized atherosclerosis who underwent repair of a 5.7 cm AAA with an endovascular stent. She had a stormy post-operative course and spent the next 4 months in the hospital.

Leading the Panel discussion was Nivedita Gunturi, MD, Fellow, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, who presented the case, and stopped at various key points to elicit audience opinions.  Jane Schell, MD, FNKF, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of Rental Electrolyte, University of Pittsburgh discussed the evaluation of decision-making capacity, the risks and benefits of hemodialysis in a frail elderly patient and the challenges of establishing goals of care when the patient had made no advance directive and family that disagree. A lively discussion from panelists and audience members concluded the presentation. Moderator for the evening was PAGS-WD President, Fred Rubin, MD.

This is the fourth Controversies in Medicine program hosted by the Society and is a part of the yearly educational series, which was recently awarded the American Geriatrics Society State Affiliate Award for Innovative Educational Programs in Geriatrics.

From left, Fred Rubin, MD, president, and panelists Nivedita Gunturi, MD and Jane Schell, MD, FNKF