Research Training Grant in Geriatrics and Gerontology - Faculty

William J. Hall, M.D. (PI)

Professor of Medicine
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Department of Medicine

Director, The Center for Healthy Aging
American Board of Internal Medicine

Certificate of Added Qualifications in Pulmonary Disease
Certificate of Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine

Dr. Hall began his medical career at the University of Michigan. He completed his internal medicine residency and pulmonary diseases fellowship at Yale University. His interest in geriatrics began when he and his colleagues studied the long-term physiologic and functional effects of viral respiratory tract infections in frail older adults. These studies became one of the areas of focus for development of the Rochester Area Pepper Center, now in its tenth year of continuous funding from the National Institute on Aging. Presently, these studies are focusing on the heterogeneous immune response of older adults to viral respiratory infections, especially those caused by influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus which in many instances seems to lead to hypercoagulable states and clinically serious vascular events. Strategies for control of infection and for ameliorating some of these deleterious changes are currently underway. Another outgrowth of these studies has been an interest in the effects of exercise in older adults. These studies are mainly conducted at the Center for Lifetime Wellness located at Monroe Community Hospital. The Center, which includes a fully equipped exercise facility, sponsors programs for older adults throughout the Rochester community. A large-scale clinical trial is currently underway evaluating the effects of growth hormone secretion on levels of function in older adults.

Along with many other members of the Division, Dr. Hall is interested in geriatric education. He has actively participated in a variety of initiatives sponsored by the John A. Hartford Foundation, including a Center of Excellence, and specific grants aimed at improving the geriatrics content in primary care residencies, education in home care, and a new program which combines Oncology and Geriatrics fellowship training.

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