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. 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