President of American Geriatrics Society visits Tulane
Dr. Alison Moore, a board-certified geriatrician, considers her profession “the happiest medical discipline because everyone I see has made it to old age.” Moore is president of the American Geriatrics Society and Chief of the Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology and Palliative Care in the Department of Medicine at UC San Diego Health. She’s also a graduate of the MD/MPH program at Tulane University School of Medicine, and she returned to her alma mater last week to meet with school leadership.
“I am delighted that Tulane is investing in the next generation of physicians who will specialize in caring for older adults,” said Moore. “The aging of our population is one of the great success stories of modern society. Preparing health care professionals with the expertise to support healthy aging and provide exceptional care for older adults is a major benefit for Louisiana and its future.”
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the aging and elderly population is the fastest-growing demographic in the state, making up nearly 20% of the population. The state has only 22.1 geriatricians per 100,000 adults aged 65 and older, but that number is growing with the expansion of the Tulane Comprehensive Geriatric Center at East Jefferson General Hospital.
The center is led by Dr. Osvaldo Navia, Myrna L. Daniels Chair in Geriatric Medicine at Tulane University School of Medicine. Two other geriatricians recently joined Dr. Navia, and all three are board-certified to provide the latest advancements in aging care.
“We go beyond traditional primary care,” said Navia. “We know a patient’s medical history and help them manage their medications. Our care team evaluates mobility, balance, memory, mood, nutrition, daily functioning, and social support. We want to know what matters most to our patients and develop care plans that support their personal goals and independence.”
Dr. Moore’s return to Tulane included a stop on the uptown campus before heading back to the buildings where she earned her medical and public health degrees. She met with Tulane leaders, including President Michael A. Fitts, and Dr. Lee Hamm, Senior Vice President and Dean of Tulane University School of Medicine.
“Louisiana has an opportunity to lead the way in caring for an aging population, and it was wonderful to welcome Dr. Moore back to Tulane and talk about how the field has evolved,” said Dr. Hamm. “We didn’t have a geriatrics fellowship when she was a student here, and we’re proud to show her what we’ve built at Tulane and how much this area of medicine has grown.”
Dr. Navia said it was an honor to have the AGS president see what he’s building at Tulane.
“It was a great joy to welcome and celebrate the presence of Dr. Moore at Tulane University,” said Dr. Navia. Her remarkable contributions to geriatric medicine have made her an icon and an inspiration to so many of us dedicated to improving the lives and care of older adults. Her wisdom, dedication, and commitment remind us of the importance of continuing to advocate for compassionate, person-centered care for our growing older population.”