Author Archives: Jamie Garrett

At this year’s ObesityWeek conference, antiobesity drugs were a prominent part of the discussions. As John A. Batsis, MD says, “There was a huge focus on newer medications, their efficacy, their safety, gaps in knowledge, and what future studies are needed.” In his research, Dr. Batsis focuses on obesity and...

It’s common for older adults to take multiple medications. And while some patients  choose to take as few medications as possible, Dr. Josh Niznik says that others, “cling to their medications for some source of security.” In light of this, some prescribers may find it hard to deprescribe medications that...

Dr. John Batsis was recently involved in a National Council on Aging Roundtable on Obesity and Equitable Aging. Held in Washington, DC, the event involved a number of professional organizations. It’s goals were to: shift the mindset on obesity so it is addressed as a serious chronic disease discuss the...

Congratulation to MSTAR student Mary Kaufmann for winning Best Poster at two separate events and for two different posters. She won the overall poster competition at the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) Conference. And at the annual 2023 Student Research Day, Kaufmann won Best Poster in the basic science category....

At the Obesity Society’s recent Obesity Week in Dallas, TX, associate professor Dr. John Batsis presented research, moderated sessions, and was included as part of the Coffee with Professors Q&As. Dr. Batsis chaired and moderated a joint symposium and on the four-step KAER framework. The steps include: Kickstart the conversation...

“Helping people, solving problems, and getting to know people more deeply.” Those are Dr. Lindsay Wilson’s reasons for becoming a doctor. When asked why she chose geriatric medicine, Dr. Wilson says, “I love the relationships I have with my older patients, who often treat me like family. I also love...

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has declared Saturday, October 7, 2023 to be Ageism Awareness Day. To that end, the NC Department of Health and Human Services has joined with the American Society on Aging (ASA) to spotlight ageism. Read Governor Cooper’s Proclamation on Ageism Awareness Day. This day is...

Joshua Niznik, PharmD, PhD (Division of Geriatrics) has been appointed by Innovation in Aging as Associate Editor for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy. Innovation in Aging is a journal of the Gerontological Society of America that publishes translational research of innovative theories, methods, interventions, evaluations, and policies relevant to aging adults....

If you go to the fifth floor of the recently opened Roper Hall, you’ll find Room 5227F. A small plaque by the door of this clinical exam room reads, Through the generosity of a grateful patient in honor of Ellen Parker Wilkes, ANP-BC. Wilkes, an Adult Nurse Practitioner in the...

For Dr. Meredith Gilliam, UNC-Chapel Hill is home. She completed her undergraduate studies, MD, and MPH here. She also met her husband here. Before coming to medical school, she considered being a chemist and a teacher (she even taught middle school English classes in Japan). But her career path led...

Age-related loss of muscle mass and strength affects almost 15 percent of adults 60 and over. Also known as sarcopenia, clinicians often prescribe home-based exercise programs as a remedy to this loss. However, once clinicians assign the exercises, they face a major obstacle: patient compliance. A new Bluetooth-enabled device is...

On September 7, staff from the Center for Aging and Health represented the UNC School of Medicine at the Duke Caregiver Community Event. The goal of the daylong event was providing caregivers access to education, support, and resources. Held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham, conference organizers included the...