Category: Geriatric Medicine
95 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers Awarded 2024 Carolina Care Excellence
Each year, UNC Hospitals administers the Press Ganey Medical Practice survey to solicit feedback from patients. The survey asks our patients about their likelihood of recommending their provider’s practice to their friends and family. This year, 205 UNC physicians and advanced practice providers received the highest recommendations, which places them in the top quartile nationall … Read more
Batsis: Weight Loss Drugs are Only One Part of a Comprehensive Plan
John Batsis, MD Dr. John Batsis recently spoke with Verywell about his concerns regarding the prescribing of weight loss drugs. Batsis believes that some people want quick fixes from providers who are willing to prescribe weight management medications. However, he said that weight loss medications are only one part of a comprehensive plan. “Obesity is a chronic disease,” said Joh … Read more
Division of Geriatric Medicine to Hold Interdisciplinary Geriatrics Conference
The UNC Division of Geriatric Medicine will hold this year’s Interdisciplinary Geriatrics Conference May 15, 2024 at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens. It will focus on the 4Ms model of care – Mentation, what Matters, Medications, and Mobility – with a particular focus on the care of hospitalized people with dementia. Topics include Cognitive impairment, Management of behavior … Read more
UNC Geriatrics Discusses Heart Failure and Guardianship on Core IM Podcast
A recent episode of The Core IM podcast featured several UNC Department of Medicine practitioners who discussed issues related to heart failure and guardianship. The episode is divided into three segments. In Deep Dive 1, UNC geriatrician and assistant professor of medicine Dr. Emily Cetrone discussed ways for approaching guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) of heart failure … Read more
Dr. Meredith Gilliam Speaks to AARP About Diagnosing Depression
Meredith Gilliam, MD Geriatrician and Director of the UNC Geriatrics Clinic In general, diagnosing depression can be challenging. Since there’s no single, definitive test for diagnosing the condition, it is important to consider other possible reasons behind depression-like symptoms in older adults. In a recent AARP article, Dr. Meredith Gilliam says, “the symptoms may overlap wi … Read more
The Chronic Disease of Obesity
In the December 2023 issue of Insights & Implications in Gerontology, Dr. John Batsis and colleagues dive into ‘The Chronic Disease of Obesity.’ In this publication, the team discusses: Current concepts are presented about the complex interplay among the stomach, liver, pancreas, brain, and metabolic processes of the body Recognition of obesity as a chronic disease by medical … Read more
Duke/UNC ADRC Announces Research Curriculum
The Duke/UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) Research Education Component (REC) Core announces a new Research Curriculum. This curated collection includes video presentations on basic science and statistics. However it also includes more in-depth talks like keynote addresses and clinical presentations from past ADRC events like the SLAM-DUNC conference. This curriculum … Read more
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How Risky Are Weight Loss Drugs for Older Adults?
John Batsis, MD New anti-obesity medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are very popular these days. Although many people benefit from these new drugs, they can be risky for older people. In fact, the downsides of these medications for older patients can be very serious. Some of the potential risks for people over 60 who take these medications include loss of muscle and bone, nutrie … Read more
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Antiobesity Drugs Take Center Stage at Annual ObesityWeek Conference
John Batsis, MD 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 physical function in older adults. During the meeting, B … Read more
2024 Fellows Match to the Department of Medicine
The Department of Medicine is honored to welcome new Tar Heel trainees! The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) released results for the 2023 Medicine and Pediatric Specialties Match on November 29. More than 7,000 applicants matched to advanced training positions. After a successful Match, the following fellows will join Department subspecialties in July 2024. Division of … Read more
Dr Josh Niznik: Deprescribing Versus Continuing Medications
Joshua Niznik, PharmD, PhD 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 patients have taken for years. Specifically, the … Read more
Dr. Batsis Attends National Council on Aging’s Obesity Roundtable
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 Patient Bill of Rights discuss the Treat, Reduce Obesity Act support a call to … Read more