Category: Geriatric Medicine
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
How Risky Are Weight Loss Drugs for Older Adults?
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, nutrient deficiencies, … Read more
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Antiobesity Drugs Take Center Stage at Annual ObesityWeek Conference
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, Batsis and other … 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
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, these older patients may feel … 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
MSTAR Student Mary Kaufmann Wins Two ‘Best Poster’ Awards
Congratulation to MSTAR student Mary Kaufmann for winning Best Poster at two separate events and for two different posters. She won the overall poster competition at the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) Conference. And at the annual 2023 Student Research Day, Kaufmann won Best Poster in the basic science category. Read the full article.
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Batsis and Team Attend Annual Obesity Society Meeting
At the Obesity Society’s recent Obesity Week in Dallas, TX, associate professor Dr. John Batsis presented research, moderated sessions, and was included as part of the Coffee with Professors Q&As. Dr. Batsis chaired and moderated a joint symposium and on the four-step KAER framework. The steps include: Kickstart the conversation in primary care, Assess the individual, Evaluat … Read more
Faculty and Staff in the News Throughout October
The clickable links below navigate directly to outside media articles which featured Department of Medicine faculty throughout the month of October. Evan S. Dellon, MD, MPH, was featured in a New York Times article that depicts a patient’s experience with EoE. Faculty and fellows in the Division of Pulmonary Diseases & Critical Care Medicine attended the NC Thoracic Society … Read more
Physician Spotlight: Lindsay Wilson, MD, MPH, FACP, AGSF
“Helping people, solving problems, and getting to know people more deeply.” Those are Dr. Lindsay Wilson’s reasons for becoming a doctor. When asked why she chose geriatric medicine, Dr. Wilson says, “I love the relationships I have with my older patients, who often treat me like family. I also love that teaching is a big part of Geriatrics.” On top of that, Dr. Wilson says she e … Read more
October 7 is Ageism Awareness Day
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has declared Saturday, October 7, 2023 to be Ageism Awareness Day. To that end, the NC Department of Health and Human Services has joined with the American Society on Aging (ASA) to spotlight ageism. Read Governor Cooper’s Proclamation on Ageism Awareness Day. This day is chance to bring attention to ageism’s existence and its impact on our soci … Read more