Recipient of the 

2018 AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY 

State Affiliate Achievement Award - -  INNOVATIVE Educational Program

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Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society

Western Division


ANNUAL REPORT 2020
PA GERIATRICS SOCIETY - WESTERN DIVISION


READ REPORT

29th Annual Clinical Update in Geriatric Medicine

A Message from our Course Directors

We invite you to register for this award-winning course, which is a collaboration between The University of Pittsburgh, the AGS state chapter, and many healthcare organizations.

Many ingredients contribute to the popularity of this annual conference:

  • It focuses on the challenges of caring for older adults, and incorporates new topics suggested by past attendees
  • It is designed by a multidisciplinary group of clinicians, academics, and payers
  • It showcases approaches that are both state of the art and feasible, i.e., ones you can incorporate immediately
  • It is delivered by speakers selected not just for their expertise but also for their ability to teach
  • Most of the speakers are nationally/internationally renowned
  • It includes a variety of formats, including plenary and keynote talks, multiple smaller breakout sessions, and even opportunities for attendees to present their most challenging cases to subspecialists who are experts in both their own field and geriatrics

We look forward to your participation in April!

Shuja Hassan, MD
Neil M. Resnick, MD
Lyn Weinberg, MD



Upcoming events



The Society has compiled list or resources which may be helpful for organizations and businesses that serve older adults. Check the site periodically as we will continue to update this list as new information becomes available. Contact Nadine Popovich at npopovich@acms.org if you have a resource that we can add to the list. 





ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES

Home Centered Care Institute

https://www.hccinstitute.org/

POLST COVID-19

https://polst.org/covid/

OHSU Center for Ethics in Healthcare

https://vimeo.com/399981062

What COVID-19 Exposed in Long-Term Care Documentary by Jewish Healthcare Foundation

https://youtu.be/l_rn54K1gKI 


  • Provides  links to information for Allegheny County residents, information for specific groups including businesses and organizations, and updates.
  • Stay up-to-date by signing up for Allegheny Alerts  and subscribing to COVID-19. 
I

 

United Way's PA 2-1-1 Southwest has established a formal arrangement to assist the Allegheny County Health Department. 2-1-1 resource navigators can provide general information about health questions related to the virus, referring those who need further evaluation to the Health Department;  connect individuals and families with services to meet emergency basic needs, like food, rent and utility payments; and provide the latest CDC guidelines and recommendations from local authorities. Those seeking help should dial 2-1-1, text their zip code to 898-211, or visit PA211.org

United Way’s PA 2-1-1 Southwest is a trusted source for reliable information. To receive text messages with the most up-to-date information and resources, sign up at  pa211sw.org/text-alerts.

GoodRX Iis offering Coronavirus (COVID-19) Screening and Triage at no charge.


Allegheny County Medical Society

COVID-19 RESOURCES 

Telehealth Payment Toolkit


CDC - THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION 

  • The PA Department of Health - COVID-19 site lists frequent updates on confirmed cases in the state, overview information about Coronavirus, social media graphics that you can post, state press releases, guidance, and links to many resources.


RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS

Self-care for providers - These apps are providing free subscriptions to providers (headspace requires an individual NPI). The apps focus on mediation, and other relaxation techniques.

Headspace is offering free subscriptions to all US healthcare workers in 2020, given the circumstances. This is a mindfulness meditation app that comes highly recommended, though not usually inexpensive. To redeem a free subscription, one must provide his/her state and NPI, name, and email address.

Ten Percent Happier is another program/app offering free access for health care workers, with a PROMO Code of HEALTHCARE (in ALL CAPS). One needs to download the app onto a mobile device—a desktop computer will not work—and must log into the app using the same method used to redeem access on the website. The company asks that no one create more than one account and cautions that the website has been overwhelmed, thus necessitating multiple attempts to redeem access.

More than 380 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 28th Annual Clinical Update in Geriatric Medicine conference held at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center Hotel, March 5-7. The course attracted registrants from all over the country.

The conference was jointly provided by the Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society-Western Division (PAGS-WD); University of Pittsburgh Division of Geriatric Medicine; and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences.

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 of which is done in Pittsburgh, is revealing new approaches that are feasible for the real world.

Under the leadership of course directors Shuja Hassan, MD, Neil M. Resnick, MD, and Lyn Weinberg, MD, who worked diligently with the planning committee, the course was a premier educational event in the region and attracted prominent international and national lecturers and nationally renowned local faculty.  


MORE CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS




2020 GERIATRICS TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Society is pleased to announce the recipients of the Geriatrics Teacher of the Year Award

The award is presented to outstanding individuals (within their field) for their dedication and commitment to geriatrics education. All three exemplify geriatrics teaching excellence and have made significant contributions to the education and training of learners in geriatrics and to the progress of geriatrics education across the health professions.




2020 AWARDEES 


Awardees honored for the contributions in the field of geriatrics include (left to right) Namita Ahuja, MD (president); Elizabeth Mulvaney, MSW, LCSW (Healthcare Professional award); Amy M. Westcott, MD, MHPE, CMD, FAAHPM, AGSF (Physician award); Sandra Gilmore, RN, MS (Lifetime Achievement award); Ms. Jymirah Morris (David C.Martin award); and Rollin Wright, MD,  MS, MPH(Awards Chair).




Amy M. Westcott, MD, MHPE, CMD, FAAHPM, AGSF, received the 2020 Geriatrics Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Westcott joined the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania following her Geriatric Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania. During that time, she was a two-time recipient of the Geriatric Academic Career Award (GACA) from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), completed the Harvard Palliative Care Education and Practice (PCEP) Program, and certified in the Stanford Clinical Teaching Framework having trained over 200 healthcare professionals to date. During her tenure at the University of Pennsylvania, she created and implemented system-wide interprofessional geriatric education across undergraduate and graduate medical education. Read more

Amy M. Westcott, MD, MHPE, CMD, FAAHPM, AGSF, received the 2020 Geriatrics Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Westcott joined the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania following her Geriatric Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania. During that time, she was a two-time recipient of the Geriatric Academic Career Award (GACA) from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), completed the Harvard Palliative Care Education and Practice (PCEP) Program, and certified in the Stanford Clinical Teaching Framework having trained over 200 healthcare professionals to date. During her tenure at the University of Pennsylvania, she created and implemented system-wide interprofessional geriatric education across undergraduate and graduate medical education.

Dr. Westcott was recruited to serve as associate professor, Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Pennsylvania State College of Medicine in 2014. While at Penn State she designed, launched, and obtained ACGME-accreditation for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship as well as developed a teaching nursing home that incorporated a longitudinal experience for Family Medicine Residents, patient navigation opportunities for medical students and medical direction electives for Internal Medicine Residents. She continues to be involved with the Geriatric Fellowship and volunteer precepts at the Bethesda Mission.

In 2018, Dr. Westcott accepted an industry position with Optum, a health care coordination and delivery organization, as the medical director for the Pennsylvania and Delaware-based providers, where she utilizes her skills as a teacher, educator, and role model for over 150 advance practice providers. In this role she is most passionate to improve the quality care in long-term care through coaching her team on communication skills related to advance care planning and de-prescribing.

Elizabeth A. Mulvaney, MSW, LCSW, lecturer, University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work (SSW), was presented with the 2020 Healthcare Professional Geriatrics Teacher of the Year Award. Ms. Mulvaney holds a clinical social work license in Pennsylvania and has 14 years practice experience as a gerontological social worker providing medical, care management, and program administration services, with experience in long-term care including behavioral care planning, dementia care, and end of life care. 

She has been a leader among SSW faculty in advancing interprofessional educational opportunities for SSW students, primarily teaching within both the MSW and BASW programs at the university. Read more


Sandra Gilmore, RN, MS, received the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms. Gilmore was a practicing nurse for nearly 40 years and spent her entire nursing career with UPMC. She most recently served as Lead Geriatric Outreach Nurse for UPMC’s Living-at-Home Program, providing outreach services to independent living residents at UPMC Senior Communities and in their own homes, prior to her retirement in the summer of 2019.

In this role, Ms. Gilmore was responsible for providing monthly blood pressure screenings and health education to nearly 1,000 older adults located throughout the Pittsburgh region. She worked tirelessly to educate the senior population about flu prevention and vaccination and provided flu shots to seniors whenever possible. Read more


Past President Receives Special Recognition

The Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society – Western Division recognized Karen A. Powers, MD, for her leadership and length of service at the Clinical Update in Geriatric Medicine on Friday, March 6.

Dr. Powers was elected as the Society’s first president; Fred Rubin, MD President-Elect; and Judith Black, Secretary Treasurer on January 29, 1991. She was instrumental in drafting the Bylaws and creating the organizational structure, which included five standing committees: membership, education, legislative affairs, by-laws, and nominating, all which remain today.

Starting with 23 members, the society boasts a healthy membership of 230 members, comprised of not only physicians, but also nurses, pharmacists, and other health care professionals who share a commitment to improving the health of older people.

After her tenure as president, Dr. Powers continued to serve on the Board of Directors until 2019. She is currently a member of the Planning Committee.


D

Fred Rubin, MD presents plaque to Karen Powers, MD, who was honored for her service in the Society. Dr. Powers was the first President, and Dr. Rubin President-Elect when the Society was formed in 1991. 


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.

The strategic goals of the PAGS-WD are to:

1. Promote geriatric education for all geriatric healthcare professionals.

2. Provide an active forum and opportunity for networking and engagement with other professionals who share an interest in improving care for the older adults

3. Advocate for programs and public policy, which will improve the
health and well being of older adults.

4. Encourage students and residents to pursue a career in geriatrics.

Our Leadership



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Get involved

As a member, you are an integral part of the Society and aid in our efforts and mission: to EDUCATE, COMMUNICATE, and ENGAGE healthcare professionals (representing all disciplines) in the provision of quality healthcare for all older persons.  Strengthen our voice and become a member today.

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2019 ANNUAL REPORT





Member benefits

This is an example of member benefits. Describing advantages for your members can help you to attract new members.

Connection: You are connected to a larger group banded together to produce positive results for geriatric health in our region.

Conferences & Programs: We  provide quality education and networking opportunities for geriatric health professionals, and members can attend at a reduced registration fee.  Check out our events page for more information.

Free Informational Services: The Society keep you  in touch with your peers and current issues through the  web site, newsletter and email updates of emerging issues relevant to geriatric health. 

Read more

About us

The Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society – Western Division is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all older persons. It is a non-profit organization of physicians and other health care professionals committed to the provision of quality health care for older persons.


Contact us

Pennsylvania Geriatric Society - Western Division
850 Ridge Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA  15212
412-321-5030  FAX 412-321-5323

Michelle Besanceney - Administrator
michelle@acms.org



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