New York is a city that constantly pulsates with life and innovation, but amidst this vibrant backdrop, significant accolades within the field of geriatrics recently emerged. On April 11, 2025, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) announced that Dr. Christine K. Wanich Bradway would receive the prestigious Dennis W. Jahnigen Memorial Award for her remarkable contributions to geriatrics education. This award serves to recognize those individuals who have profoundly impacted the way healthcare professionals are trained to care for an aging population, an ever-relevant issue considering global demographic shifts toward older age groups.
Dr. Bradway’s journey in the field of gerontological nursing spans more than three decades, focusing on enhancing the quality of care for older adults facing complex health challenges such as urinary incontinence, severe obesity, chronic conditions, and dementia. Her commitment to the geriatric population is not only a professional pursuit but a personal mission, stemming from her early life experiences in a multigenerational household. This emphasis on family and care has shaped her understanding of the unique needs of older individuals, allowing her to approach geriatric care holistically.
Currently positioned as Professor Emerita at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Dr. Bradway is not one to rest on her laurels. Instead, she actively engages in mentoring nursing PhD students and instructs classes within Penn’s International Master of Public Administration Program. Furthermore, her unwavering dedication extends to volunteer work with community organizations that aim to bolster the care offered to older adults, proving that her influence transcends academic walls. By nurturing the next generation of healthcare providers, she ensures that her legacy continues in effectively addressing the complexities of aging.
The AGS will formally recognize Dr. Bradway’s achievements during the upcoming AGS 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, which will occur from May 8 to 10 in Chicago, Illinois. Such events serve as crucial platforms for sharing advancements in geriatrics research and education. They provide not only networking opportunities but also pathways to integrating innovative practices into the care of older adults, illuminating how dedicated individuals like Dr. Bradway can catalyze meaningful change.
Dr. Bradway’s passion for geriatrics ignited during her teenage years while gaining hands-on experience in a community hospital, a formative encounter that transformed her career trajectory. Moving from high-level trauma and intensive care, she redirected her focus toward primary care geriatrics as a nurse practitioner. Her trajectory is a testament to her adaptability and a reflection of her intrinsic understanding of where her skills and interests could do the most good. This understanding is particularly critical in a field where the interplay of chronic disease management and quality of life is paramount.
Throughout her extensive career, Dr. Bradway has assumed various leadership roles, which amplify her impact on the landscape of geriatrics education. She has notably directed the Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of Pennsylvania, shaping future clinicians’ understanding of elderly care practices. This direct involvement in educational programs highlights her belief that the foundation of effective geriatric care lies in robust training and the cultivation of compassionate, knowledgeable professionals.
As the previous Chair of the AGS Annual Meeting in 2022, Dr. Bradway wielded influence beyond the university environment. Her work in the Geriatric Education Center of Greater Philadelphia exemplified her dedication to collaborative education. Interprofessional training is particularly vital in geriatrics, where successful outcomes often depend on the seamless integration of healthcare teams across various disciplines. Through her efforts, she has contributed to the establishment of various models of care that prioritize collaboration and comprehensive approaches to geriatrics.
Dr. Bradway’s impact extends beyond education to encompass substantial participation within the AGS itself. Her long-standing membership since 1985 has seen her take on influential roles in numerous committees such as the Health Systems Committee and the Education Committee. This breadth of involvement provides her with a unique perspective on the challenges facing the field and equips her to advocate effectively for improvements in geriatrics education and healthcare delivery systems.
Research remains a fundamental aspect of her career, with a specific focus on urologic health, obesity, and the transitions that older patients face when moving between different care settings. Her scholarly work, including publications in pivotal journals such as JAGS and the Annals of Long-Term Care, has placed her at the forefront of discussions concerning vulnerabilities in older adult care. In these capacities, she has illuminated the realities of aging and fostered a greater understanding of how targeted research can lead to improvements in clinical practice.
As a mentor, Dr. Bradway has reached countless students and early-career professionals through the AGS Mentoring Program, a legacy that speaks volumes about her dedication to nurturing the future of geriatrics. Her mentorship approach equips emerging leaders with the tools they need to navigate the intricate landscape of geriatric care, emphasizing resilience, compassion, and innovation. As geriatric care increasingly becomes a focal point in healthcare discussions, the importance of mentoring cannot be overstated. Mentors like Dr. Bradway cultivate a future generation of healthcare professionals willing and able to advocate for older adults.
In recognizing Dr. Bradway with the Dennis W. Jahnigen Memorial Award, the AGS honors not just her accomplishments, but the underlying values that define her approach to geriatrics education. The award serves as a reminder of the indelible mark that compassionate educators can have on their fields. This recognition further emphasizes the significant responsibility that healthcare professionals bear towards their patients, especially as societies continue to grapple with aging populations’ needs and challenges.
Through her work, Dr. Bradway exemplifies the importance of addressing the evolving demands of geriatric care. This recognition not only celebrates her extensive body of work but also serves as a clarion call for continued focus on the education and training of future practitioners who will inevitably face the complexities of an aging healthcare system. As attendees gather at the AGS Annual Scientific Meeting, Dr. Bradway’s story will likely resonate, inspiring others to follow her path in advocating and innovating within the important field of geriatrics.
As we reflect on Dr. Bradway’s honors and contributions, it becomes clear that the mission of improving the health and quality of life for older adults is far from complete. In fact, her achievements underscore the critical need for ongoing commitment to academic excellence, advocacy, and compassionate care in the ever-evolving landscape of geriatrics. The journey is long, but with role models like Dr. Bradway leading the way, hope remains for a future where older adults receive the specialized care and respect they deserve.
### Subject of Research:
Advancements in Geriatrics Education and Care
### Article Title:
Christine K. Wanich Bradway Recognized for Contributions to Geriatrics Education
### News Publication Date:
April 11, 2025
### Web References:
https://meeting.americangeriatrics.org/
### References:
[Not applicable]
### Image Credits:
[Not applicable]
### Keywords
Geriatrics, Healthcare Education, Aging, Chronic Care, Urinary Incontinence, Obesity, Dementia, Geriatric Nursing, Mentorship, Interprofessional Education, Healthcare Advocacy
