The Department of Medicine’s new Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology is engaged in research aimed at optimizing health care for older adults through translational science – from bench to bedside and from bedside to the broader community. The division prepares both present and future leaders of medicine with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to care for the population of people 60 years of age and older.
Read our interview with division director Camille Vaughan, MD to learn about her path to a career in medicine, her experience as a faculty member at Emory, and more!
Why did you decide to pursue a career in medicine?
I enjoy working with people, engaging with a multidisciplinary team to tackle challenging problems, the wonder of the human body, and lifelong learning. Medicine (and geriatrics, in particular) is a perfect fit. My dad was a pediatrician and so I had some familiarity with the medical profession. I always said I would not pursue pediatrics – we smile now when my dad and I consider we cover both ends of the age spectrum.
Can you share more about your experience and specialty area(s)?
Geriatrics is an exceptionally satisfying profession in medicine. We have the privilege of caring for people in the later stages of their life. Our focus is on optimizing functional independence and promoting care that aligns with what matters most to the individual older person. We typically work with multiple disciplines (nursing, social work, pharmacy, rehabilitation therapy, and other medical specialists) to provide multicomponent care that addresses medical, psychosocial, and functional needs. There are many research gaps (opportunities) in geriatrics and gerontology because clinical studies are often designed with criteria that effectively exclude older persons, particularly those persons living with multiple chronic conditions that are common in older age.
What led you to join the Department of Medicine?
I did my training at Emory and really appreciate that the Department of Medicine (and Emory SOM) include faculty from multiple specialties across several health systems, including the VA and Grady, providing a variety of opportunities to advance knowledge and best practices aimed at optimizing health. The opportunity to collaborate with exceptionally creative and gifted colleagues and work with our enthusiastic trainees is a continual reminder of why I chose to stay at Emory and pursue a career in academic medicine.
As the director of a new division, what are you most looking forward?
Advancing the careers of our faculty and trainees, growing geriatrics and gerontology research at Emory, expanding our educational footprint to ensure all Emory graduates are equipped to implement age-friendly healthcare, facilitating growth of age-friendly health care at Emory and our affiliates.
What is the highlight of your career at Emory thus far?
Getting involved with the EQUIPPED medication safety project (started by Melissa Stevens), which promotes safe prescribing for older adults discharged from the emergency department. We’ve now facilitated expansion of this model to 20 VA sites and 5 non-VA health systems so far.
What do you like most about living in Atlanta?
All the unique neighborhoods of Atlanta; the history of the city, particularly as it relates to the civil rights movement; and the hub that Atlanta is for people traveling to/from/across the U.S.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Going to my kids’ soccer games and Atlanta United games (when we can do that again), traveling to national parks, and riding roller coasters.
If you didn’t pursue a career in medicine, what other profession would you have chosen?
I’ve always thought being a travel agent would be fun.
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