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News & Events

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Highland Hospital Becomes First Hospital in Upstate New York to Receive Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation

Monday, December 17, 2018

Highland Hospital's Emergency Department is the first in upstate New York to receive the silver standard - Level 2 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA), which recognizes emergency departments that provide excellent care for older adults. The designation is granted by The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), with support from The Gary and Mary West Health Institute and John A. Hartford Foundation.

By achieving the Level 2 GEDA accreditation, Highland's Emergency Department has shown that it incorporates many best practices used by top geriatric-friendly emergency departments in the country, including providing interdisciplinary geriatric education and having geriatric appropriate equipment and supplies available.

NCI Awards $3M Grant to Study Geriatric Oncology

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

The National Cancer Institute award $3 million to Supriya Mohile, M.D., for a collaborative, five-year research project stemming from the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot initiative.

Mohile's team at the Wilmot Cancer Institute and University of Rochester Medical Center will evaluate whether adverse symptoms reported by older patients with advanced cancer on a clinical trial are associated with discontinuing therapy, hospitalizations, early death, as well as the patient's functional ability and quality of life. The study is important because 60 percent of all cancers and 70 percent of cancer deaths occur in older adults. In addition, a growing population of older patients remains underrepresented in research that sets standards of care for cancer -- leading to disparities in health outcomes.

Read More: NCI Awards $3M Grant to Study Geriatric Oncology

Researchers Glimpse into ‘Real World’ of Cancer and Financial Hardship

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Nearly one in five older patients with advanced cancer have financial problems that may cause them to delay treatment to cover food and housing costs, which leads to stress and poor quality of life, according to new Wilmot Cancer Institute research.

The "financial toxicity" study was conducted at several cancer clinics across the country, involving 542 patients ages 70 to 96, said senior author Supriya Mohile, M.D., M.S., a geriatric oncology expert and the Philip and Marilyn Wehrheim Professor at Wilmot.

The American Society of Oncology (ASCO) is highlighting the abstract at its annual Quality Care Symposium on Sept. 28 and 29. The research has not yet been published by a peer-reviewed journal.

The next step is to develop standards for helping older cancer patients solve financial difficulties. A lot of variability exists in clinics across the U.S., requiring the sharing of best practices, Mohile said.

Geriatrics Program Recognized by US News & World Report

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

The UR Medicine Geriatrics Program has achieved "high performing" status, according to US News & World Report's 2018-19 rankings. This ranking puts it in the top 10 percent among all hospitals analyzed. In addition, Strong Memorial Hopsital captured the No. 1 spot in the Rochester Metro Area in the ranking of America's Best Hospitals.

U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide for its Best Hospitals rankings this year. Results are based on measures such as risk-adjusted survival and readmission rates, volume, reputation, patient experience, patient safety and quality of nursing, among other indicators. A total of 158 hospitals were nationally ranked in at least one specialty.

2018-2019 Geriatric Faculty Scholars - 4 Awardees

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Four URMC faculty members have been named as the 2018-2019 Geriatric Faculty Scholars. This prestigious challenge grant is awarded to current junior URMC faculty with a specific interest in inter-professional geriatric education and practice. Throughout the fiscal calendar year, these faculty members will work with a mentor in the Division of Geriatrics & Aging and a mentor in their own Department to create and implement a geriatric education program within their own program. Each project is designed to promote and integrate geriatric principles into other specialties.

This year's Geriatric Faculty Scholars are:

  • Nicholas L. Aloisio, MD
    Senior Instructor of Clinical Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland (SMD)
    As an Emergency Medicine Physician, Dr. Aloisio is already attuned to the specific personal and medical needs of older adults. Highland Hospital is seeking accreditation as a Geriatric Emergency Department through the American College of Geriatric Physicians. In parallel with the accreditation process, Dr. Aloisio will work with the Clinical Pharmacy Team to (i) design a process to minimize the use of potentially harmful medications in older adults, and (ii) construct a strong guideline for managing pain in older adults.
  • Emily S. DiCesare, DO
    Assistant Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine (SMD) - Primary
    Dr. DiCesare received her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009. Dr. DiCesare completed her residency at the University of Rochester in 2012, and served as Chief Resident from 2011-2012. Since working as an Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. DiCesare is acutely aware of the different knowledge and skills required for caring for older adults. She is part of the team working towards the accreditation as Geriatric Emergency Department at Highland Hospital. Her project is to take the "geriatric friendly" changes to other UR Medicine Emergency Departments.
  • Jenny Y. Shen, MD
    Assistant Professor (Part-Time), Department of Medicine, Hospital Medicine (SMD)
    After completing her internal Medicine residency at URMC in 2013, Dr. Shen joined the team as a Hospitalist. Her interest in perioperative medicine led to her current involvement with the Geriatric Fracture Center (GFC). Combined with her experience as a researcher and interest in the geriatric population, Dr. Shen will focus her Geriatric Faculty Scholar project on the issue of post-operative mobility in older adults. In particular, she hopes to improve the weight-bearing post op quality measure linked to early mobility for GFC patients.

  • Sarmad M. Siddiqui, MD, FHM
    Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Hospital Medicine (SMD) - Primary
    As a Hospitalist for almost 7 years, during which he completed a Geriatric Fellowship, Dr. Siddiqui has developed a genuine interest in improving the care of the elderly. In particular, Dr. Siddiqui will focus his Geriatric Faculty Scholar project on limiting or early removal of indwelling urinary catheters in older patients with hip fractures. This educational intervention for hospitalists could lead to reduced incidence of CAUTI, decrease LOS, and improve the patient experience.

  • Complete list of all Geriatric Faculty Scholars: Geriatric Faculty Scholars

Since 1997, the Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center (FLGEC) at the University of Rochester Medical Center, has been continuously funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) with the goal of educating health care practitioners and caregivers in the principles of geriatric care. The scope of the current funding cycle includes specific education and training for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) for patients, families, caregivers, direct care workers, and health providers, students, residents, fellows, and faculty, as well as targeted education in rural areas. For more information, contact Thomas V. Caprio, MD, Director, FLGEC.

The Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center at the University of Rochester is made possible through grant funding by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Health Workforce under the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (Grant # U1QHP28738)

Dr. Lisa Vargish Receives Department of Medicine Pilot Grant

Monday, July 9, 2018

Lisa Vargish MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine is the recipient of a 2018 Department of Medicine Education and Clinical Innovations Pilot Project Grant. Her project, entitled "Interprofessional Education in Geriatrics" will design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive curriculum targeting Interprofessional education for Geriatric Medicine Fellows and the Advance Practice Providers with whom they collaborate in geriatric care. This novel, Interprofessional education and collaborative practice curriculum in geriatrics will serve as a national model for professional academic development at multiple levels, from fellows to faculty.

Suzanne Gillespie MD, RD, CMD spotlighted by AMDA-The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine

Friday, May 18, 2018

Dr. Suzanne Gillespie, Associate Professor of Medicine and Society Board Member / Chair, House of Delegates of AMDA-The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine shares her expertise and thoughts on why she chooses to practice in the post-acute and long-term care setting.

Caroline P. Thirukumaran, MBBS, MHA, PhD wins Presidential Poster Award at the 2018 American Geriatrics Society Meeting

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Caroline Thirukumaran -  GSA PosterCaroline P. Thirukumaran, MBBS, MHA, PhD, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics and Public Health Sciences, and a current Geriatric Faculty Scholar with the Division of Geriatrics & Aging, was awarded the Presidential Poster Award at the 2018 American Geriatrics Society Annual Meeting. The Research Committee awarded Dr. Thirukumaran the top honor in the Health Services and Policy Research category for the presentation of her study in a poster titled, "Effect of Medical and Functional Needs on Costs of Geriatric Hip Fracture Care."

Dr. Joseph Nicholas Named President of Highland Hospital Medical Staff

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Joseph Nicholas, MD, MPH, is the new president of the Highland Hospital Medical Staff. He is working closely with other members of the medical staff leadership team, Colby Previte, MD, President-Elect, and Timothy Lum, MD, Secretary-Treasurer, to make strategic plans for the next six years. A top priority is to enhance clinician-to-clinician relationships. Several initiatives are being considered.

Faculty Member Recognized with 2018 Karron Award

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Jason Zittle, MD, a Geriatric Oncology Fellow at Wilmot Cancer Center, was awarded the Elaine and Irwin Karron Memorial Prize for Excellence in Geriatrics given by the Division of Geriatrics and Aging. This prize is awarded annually to a faculty member who completed geriatric fellowship training at the University of Rochester and who has demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment and compassion in caring for older adult patients.

Thomas Caprio MD, MPH, MSHPE Chosen as Lifespan’s Carter Catlett Williams Awardee for Excellence in Aging

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Thomas Caprio & Ann Marie CookThomas Caprio, MD, MPH, MSHPE, Associate Professor of Medicine and Chief Medical Officer of UR Medicine Home Care and Hospice, is the 2018 recipient of the Carter Catlett Williams Award for Excellence in Aging from Lifespan. Dr. Caprio was also selected as the Associate Editor for Medical Education for the Journal of Gerontology and Geriatrics Education.

Dallas Nelson, MD chosen for Women of Excellence Award from the Rochester Business Journal

Friday, February 9, 2018

Dallas Nelson, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of UR Medicine Geriatrics Group was selected for a 2018 Rochester Business Journal's Women of Excellence Award. This prestigious award recognizes 34 high-achieving women for their career accomplishments, community involvement, leadership and sustained commitment to mentoring. The Women of Excellence awards program was created by the Rochester Business Journal to recognize women at the top of their careers who are committed to professional excellence and community service and who demonstrate the positive impact of mentoring.

Dallas Nelson MD to participate in National Quality Forum Focus Group on Antibiotic Stewardship for Long-Term Care Facilities

Monday, January 29, 2018

Dr. Dallas Nelson, Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of UR Medicine Geriatrics Group was invited to share her expertise and participate in a focus group on behalf of the National Quality Partners to determine the framework and central messages for their new Playbook - the NQP Playbook on Antibiotic Stewardship for Long-Term Care Facilities. Building on CDC's Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship for Nursing Homes, this NQP Playbook™ will highlight practical and actionable solutions that address the unique needs of long-term care facilities seeking to implement an antibiotic stewardship program. Such programs are needed to combat the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant organisms in long-term care facilities and improve residents' health outcomes.

Daniel Mendelson MD, MS, Professor of Medicine, is Lead Medical Director of the American Geriatrics Society Co-Care Ortho

Monday, January 29, 2018

AGS CoCare Ortho is a Geriatrics-Orthopedics Co-Management model in which geriatrics professionals, or specially trained geriatrics co-managers (e.g., hospitalists) work with orthopedic surgeons to coordinate and improve the perioperative care of older adults with hip fractures. The AGS CoCare: Ortho model has been shown to reduce complications and enhance function after the older adult returns home, two goals at the heart of quality geriatrics care through its cost-effective approach.

Timothy Holahan DO accepted into AAMC Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Certificate Program

Monday, January 29, 2018

Dr. Tim Holahan, Senior Instructor of Medicine, will participate in the AAMC Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Certificate Program, an application-based on-year certificate program, which develops educational leaders in health professions education through evidence-based, collaborative learning, and reflective practice.