Dr. Harper holds the esteemed position of Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where his influence extends well beyond traditional academic boundaries. His educational role encompasses a broad spectrum of learners including medical students, residents, geriatrics fellows, practicing clinicians, community health workers, and family caregivers. He fosters an interdisciplinary approach tailored to address multifaceted geriatric healthcare challenges, equipping these diverse groups with essential knowledge and skills relevant to the complexities of aging. A particular highlight of his work is his mentorship within the UCSF Tideswell Emerging Leaders in Aging Program (ELIA), a pioneering leadership initiative designed to cultivate early-career geriatrics professionals poised to drive future innovations in aging care.

The AGS will officially confer the Dennis W. Jahnigen Memorial Award to Dr. Harper during its Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting, scheduled from April 30 to May 2, 2026, with pre-conference sessions from April 27 to 29. This event represents the preeminent platform for advancing geriatrics knowledge, drawing thousands of healthcare experts nationwide. Recognition at this forum not only honors Dr. Harper’s individual achievements but also inspires a broader commitment within the geriatrics community toward excellence in education and lifelong learning essential for improving eldercare outcomes.

Dr. Harper embodies the spirit of the award’s namesake, Dr. Dennis W. Jahnigen, whose dedication to teaching and clinical excellence left an indelible mark on generations of healthcare professionals. AGS President Paul Mulhausen, MD, MPH, FACP, AGSF, emphasized Dr. Harper’s extraordinary ability to transform geriatrics education through both innovative program development and unwavering mentorship. A landmark accomplishment was Dr. Harper’s orchestration of the inaugural Fellowship Directors Conference in 2007. This annual gathering has become a cornerstone event, uniting over 100 program directors and educators for collaborative discussions that drive national standards and improve fellowship training frameworks.

Beyond local impact, Dr. Harper’s influence permeates national geriatrics education infrastructures. He played a pivotal role in integrating geriatrics fellowship programs into the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Fellowship Match, systematically enhancing recruitment rigor and transparency. His leadership extends to the development of standardized educational benchmarks that elevate training quality across institutions. Such systemic contributions are indispensable as the healthcare system wrestles with demographic shifts toward an increasingly aging population requiring nuanced and specialized care approaches.

At UCSF, Dr. Harper has spearheaded the expansion and enrichment of the Geriatrics Fellowship Training Program, adapting curricula to incorporate the latest clinical evidence and emerging models of care. This dynamic approach ensures that future geriatricians are equipped with both scientific rigor and compassionate communication skills crucial for managing geriatric syndromes, polypharmacy, cognitive disorders, and functional decline. His scholarly work includes numerous influential publications that serve as essential references for geriatrics practitioners and educators, encapsulating evidence-based best practices that inform both bedside care and educational methodologies.

Dr. Harper’s exceptional dedication to mentorship has left a transformational legacy among his mentees, who consistently testify to his thoughtful and humble guidance. His mentorship philosophy integrates personalized support with an emphasis on leadership development, cultivating the next generation of educators and clinicians who will continue to push geriatrics education forward. His accolades, including the Geriatrics Academic Career Award from the Health Services and Resources Administration and induction into UCSF’s Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators, reflect a career deeply interwoven with teaching excellence and educational innovation.

Within the American Geriatrics Society, Dr. Harper has been a tireless advocate for embedding geriatrics principles across all health professional disciplines. His involvement spans decades and encompasses leadership roles such as President, Chair of the Fellowship Group, Board member, and multiple committee appointments focused on clinical practice improvement, education, and models of care innovation. Notably, he co-chaired the Junior Faculty Task Force, implementing new initiatives to recognize and elevate the contributions of early-career faculty in geriatrics. His editorial leadership on the tenth and eleventh editions of the Geriatrics Review Syllabus (GRS10 and GRS11) and the GRS Audio Companion have been instrumental in standardizing geriatrics knowledge dissemination.

Currently, Dr. Harper co-chairs the Geriatrics-for-Specialists Initiative Council, a strategic program designed to integrate geriatrics competencies into specialty medical education, thereby broadening the reach of geriatrics principles beyond geriatricians themselves. He also serves as lead editor for the AGS online curriculum “Alzheimer’s Disease: New Diagnostic Technologies and Treatments,” a cutting-edge educational resource that highlights rapid advances in neurodegenerative disease diagnosis and novel intervention strategies, ensuring clinicians remain at the forefront of evolving therapeutic paradigms.

The American Geriatrics Society, founded in 1942, is a leading, not-for-profit organization committed to improving the health and quality of life of older adults through interdisciplinary collaboration and advocacy. Its membership spans multiple health professions, underscoring the society’s holistic approach to aging care. AGS champions policies and educational programs that strive for equity and inclusion, working to dismantle systemic biases such as ageism and racism that compromise healthcare accessibility and outcomes for older populations. This award to Dr. Harper aligns with AGS’s mission of fostering excellence in geriatrics education and ultimately enhancing eldercare worldwide.

Dr. Dennis W. Jahnigen, for whom the award is named, was a revered clinician and educator whose lifelong commitment to training future leaders in geriatrics established a benchmark for excellence. The Jahnigen Memorial Award perpetuates his legacy by recognizing AGS members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to education and mentorship, qualities that Dr. Harper exemplifies throughout his career. This award not only honors individual achievement but also promotes the sustained growth and innovation necessary to confront the complex healthcare challenges of aging demographics.

The AGS Annual Scientific Meeting serves as the flagship event in geriatrics, convening a broad spectrum of healthcare providers—nurses, pharmacists, physicians, social workers, and more—to exchange the latest scientific insights, clinical innovations, and care models. The 2026 meeting will be held virtually from April 30 to May 2, with pre-conference sessions from April 27 to 29. This flagship forum offers an unmatched opportunity for continuing education and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for advancing the field of geriatrics.

Dr. Harper’s career trajectory and contributions exemplify the evolving nature of geriatrics as a discipline that demands educational innovation to match the rapid advancements in medical science and the increasing complexity of aging populations worldwide. His leadership, mentorship, and programmatic innovations have not only transformed geriatrics education at UCSF but have also set a national precedent for excellence. As populations age globally, the impact of leaders like Dr. Harper will reverberate for generations, ensuring that healthcare systems are prepared to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to older adults.

Subject of Research: Geriatrics education, healthcare workforce development, aging care
Article Title: Dr. G. Michael Harper Honored with Dennis W. Jahnigen Memorial Award for Transformative Leadership in Geriatrics Education
News Publication Date: April 8, 2026
Web References: https://meeting.americangeriatrics.org/
Keywords: Geriatrics, Aging, Healthcare Education, Mentorship, Fellowship Training, Clinical Care, Alzheimer’s Disease, Leadership, Interdisciplinary Care, Geriatrics Workforce, Medical Education, Healthcare Innovation

Dr. Cudjoe’s multidisciplinary academic appointments span the Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, which uniquely position him to approach aging research from a comprehensive, interprofessional perspective. His work incisively delves into the epidemiology of social isolation, a critical yet often overlooked determinant of health among older populations. By meticulously characterizing how diminished social connectivity correlates with adverse outcomes such as dementia progression and increased homebound status, Dr. Cudjoe illuminates pathways for targeted interventions that may substantially alter aging trajectories.

The award recognizes emerging leaders whose research integrates clinical innovation with public health insights, and Dr. Cudjoe exemplifies this integration. His clinical experience, deeply informed by personal caregiving roles, enriches his research perspective, grounding epidemiological findings in tangible patient-centered care realities. This dual aptitude enhances the translational potential of his studies, fostering practical solutions aimed at mitigating social isolation’s detrimental consequences on elderly individuals’ cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being.

Paul Mulhausen, MD, MHS, FACP, AGSF, President of the American Geriatrics Society, highlighted Dr. Cudjoe’s commitment to nurturing future investigators in aging research. Mentorship, an often underappreciated facet of academic medicine, emerges as a core component of Dr. Cudjoe’s professional mission. His leadership fosters the development of junior scholars, thereby ensuring sustained momentum in addressing the complex challenges inherent in the care of older adults.

Dr. Cudjoe’s educational trajectory is marked by rigorous clinical training, including an internal medicine residency at Howard University Hospital followed by a geriatric medicine fellowship at Johns Hopkins. This solid clinical foundation supports his research ventures, which extend beyond academia into impactful contributions that have informed national policy frameworks. His epidemiologic work on social isolation has been cited by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and incorporated into national toolkits, underscoring its translational relevance.

Current funding through a National Institute on Aging (NIA) GEMSSTAR award, as well as a K23 grant and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Amos award, further validate the scientific and societal significance of Dr. Cudjoe’s research portfolio. His scholarly output is robust, with publications in top-tier journals such as the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS), JAMA Internal Medicine, and Nature Aging, reflecting both the depth and breadth of his investigative pursuits.

The societal relevance of Dr. Cudjoe’s work is emphasized by media features that extend its reach beyond academic circles, including coverage by the New York Times and National Public Radio. These platforms bring critical awareness to the pervasive issue of social isolation in aging populations, fostering public dialogue and encouraging policy interventions that may alleviate this silent epidemic.

Clinically, Dr. Cudjoe emphasizes home-based care models that address the nuanced needs of older adults who experience barriers to traditional healthcare settings. His hands-on approach informs his research philosophy, which advocates for community-engaged methods and interventions designed to sustain or restore social connectivity as a means of improving health outcomes.

In addition to his research and clinical duties, Dr. Cudjoe occupies several leadership roles that reflect his commitment to advancing geriatrics. He directs Community Engagement within the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, and serves as Associate Director of the Johns Hopkins Epidemiology and Biostatistics of Aging T32 Training Program, positions from which he influences both research agendas and educational priorities.

Dr. Cudjoe’s editorial contributions to JAGS, as well as his past chairmanship of the AGS Junior Faculty Research Special Interest Group, allow him to shape discourse within the geriatrics community. His influence encourages the integration of interdisciplinary perspectives and the elevation of research that prioritizes patient-centered care and equity.

The Arti Hurria Memorial Award itself commemorates Dr. Hurria’s visionary work in integrating geriatrics principles across internal medicine and subspecialties. Her legacy endures through the recognition of researchers like Dr. Cudjoe, whose scholarship advances excellence in the care of older adults by bridging clinical practice with rigorous investigation and advocacy.

The American Geriatrics Society, with its robust membership exceeding 6,000 healthcare professionals, serves as a vital platform for disseminating cutting-edge research and promoting high-quality interdisciplinary care for aging populations. Through initiatives like the AGS Annual Scientific Meeting, where Dr. Cudjoe will present his award-winning research, the society fosters engagement and knowledge sharing that drive the field forward.

Looking ahead, the forthcoming AGS 2026 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting promises to be a landmark event, convening a diverse array of clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. Dr. Cudjoe’s plenary presentation during this event will highlight the critical nexus between social determinants of health and geriatric outcomes, inspiring innovations in clinical practice and public health interventions aimed at enhancing aging well.

The trajectory of Dr. Cudjoe’s career exemplifies the power of combining rigorous epidemiological methods with compassionate clinical care and community-oriented research frameworks. His work not only enriches scientific understanding but also catalyzes transformative changes that better support the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults across the nation and beyond.

Subject of Research: Social isolation and its health effects on older adults; epidemiology and interventions in geriatric medicine.

Article Title: Dr. Thomas Cudjoe Honored with Arti Hurria Memorial Award for Pioneering Research on Social Isolation in Aging

News Publication Date: April 2, 2026

Web References:
– https://meeting.americangeriatrics.org/
– https://www.healthinaging.org/

Keywords: Geriatrics, Social Isolation, Older Adults, Internal Medicine, Aging Research, Epidemiology, Clinical Intervention, Health Outcomes, Dementia, Home-Based Care, Mentorship, Interdisciplinary Research

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at the AGS 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, set to occur from May 8-10 in Chicago, with a pre-conference day on May 7. During this critical event, Dr. Schoenborn will present a lecture titled “Less is More” or “Better Safe than Sorry” – How to Individualize Preventive Care in Medically Complex Older Adults. Her address is anticipated to provide significant insights into the integration of personal preferences and medical decision-making for the elderly.

Dr. Schoenborn holds the position of Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where she is a vital part of the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. Throughout her distinguished career, she has emerged as a national leader in emphasizing the importance of tailoring healthcare to the individual needs and preferences of older patients. By focusing on personalized care, her research aims to improve the quality of life for older adults, many of whom present medically complex challenges.

One of Dr. Schoenborn’s notable achievements lies in addressing the disconnection between medical guidelines—often rooted in abstract concepts such as life expectancy—and the actual perspectives of patients. She has effectively highlighted how terminology and concepts commonly used in healthcare can obscure meaningful patient engagement and understanding. Her work has motivated a re-evaluation of how clinicians communicate about sensitive topics, such as life expectancy and the potential discontinuation of preventive services.

The impact of Dr. Schoenborn’s research is particularly relevant in contexts where older adults face critical health decisions, often involving complicated factors that necessitate careful consideration of personal values. By studying decision-making from both clinician and patient viewpoints, she places a premium on enhancing communication strategies that support patient-centered care—a concept that continues to shape contemporary geriatric practice.

Her ongoing interdisciplinary project addresses an urgent public health issue: the implications of cancer over-screening among older adults. As the health community grapples with the harms associated with excessive screening, Dr. Schoenborn’s work seeks to frame these discussions in an ethically sound manner that empowers patients to make informed choices. The balance between promoting preventive healthcare and respecting individual preferences represents a significant challenge in the care of medically complex patients.

Dr. Schoenborn’s influential contributions to geriatrics have not gone unnoticed within the field. She has received numerous accolades, including grants from the National Institute on Aging and a Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging. These awards underscore her role as a forward-thinking researcher at the forefront of aging studies, facilitating her continued growth and influence in the area of geriatric healthcare.

Her induction into the cohort of Multiple Chronic Conditions Scholars exemplifies her commitment to addressing the multifaceted needs of older adults with varied health challenges. As a T. Franklin Williams Scholar and through her association with organizations focused on aging research, Dr. Schoenborn has positioned herself as a leader advocating for better-training pathways for healthcare providers, thereby enhancing geriatric care as a whole.

The American Geriatrics Society acknowledges Dr. Schoenborn’s transformative research in cancer screening and other pivotal health decisions. AGS President Mark A. Supiano has remarked that her emphasis on communication about patient preferences fundamentally changes how older adults navigate their health journeys. In a healthcare landscape increasingly aware of the diverse needs of older patients, her research embodies a progressive shift towards creating a care environment where individual values take center stage.

As the AGS gears up for its Annual Scientific Meeting, healthcare professionals from various disciplines will gather to learn from cutting-edge research and innovative care models. This annual event not only facilitates professional development but also fosters a unified commitment to enhancing geriatric medicine by prioritizing patient-centered approaches. Such dialogues set the foundation for transformative practices that resonate within the complex world of aging care.

In closing, Dr. Schoenborn’s recognition through the Yoshikawa Award is both a personal honor and a collective victory for the field of geriatrics. Her dedicated pursuit of integrating personal perspectives into medical practice promises to leave an enduring legacy, not only for aging research but also for the quality of healthcare experienced by older adults nationwide. The ongoing evolution of geriatrics as a discipline, grounded in individualized patient care, highlights the importance of addressing the unique needs and goals of older adults—as Dr. Schoenborn continues to champion this essential work.

As society grapples with the challenges of an aging population, the insights and methodologies developed through her research will not only inform clinical practices but also shape policy decisions aimed at improving health outcomes for older individuals. The recognition bestowed upon Dr. Schoenborn serves as a catalyst for continued exploration and innovation in this vital area of healthcare.

Dr. Nancy Schoenborn’s journey epitomizes the proactive drive within geriatrics to bridge the gap between traditional medical paradigms and the evolving needs of an aging society. Her contributions herald a future where personalized care is the standard, ultimately enhancing the lives of older adults and ensuring their voices are heard in healthcare decision-making.

Subject of Research: Individualized care for medically complex older adults
Article Title: Groundbreaking Recognition in Geriatric Research: Dr. Nancy Schoenborn Honored for Her Innovative Work
News Publication Date: April 2, 2025
Web References: AGS Annual Scientific Meeting
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Keywords: Geriatrics, individualized care, cancer screening, preventive healthcare, patient-centered care, decision-making, health communication, aging research.