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Overview, Mission, and Goals
University of Pittsburgh Council on Aging
Accomplishments
Administrative Structure
Giving to UPIA

University of Pittsburgh Council on Aging

The University of Pittsburgh Council on Aging provides guidance in developing a comprehensive database on research and training programs in the area of aging at the University of Pittsburgh, identifies new research and training initiatives in aging for the University of Pittsburgh, and provides direction in developing research and training bridges between the University and UPMC. The council’s members are faculty and administrators from the University’s Schools of the Health Sciences and Arts and Sciences.

Accomplishments

The University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center together devote more resources to aging than almost any other academic system in the nation. As a result, U.S. News & World Report has ranked University of Pittsburgh Medical Center among the best hospitals in the nation citing 14 of the 16 medical specialties among the best. UPMC was ranked 8th in geriatrics in 2007 out of nearly 2,000 hospitals in the United States. Other age-related rankings for UPMC specialties include: 10th in rheumatology, 11th in psychiatry, 12th neurology and neurosurgery, cancer and orthopedics, 16th in respiratory diseases, 18th in Rehabilitation Medicine and 27th in Endocrinology.

Geriatric Medicine

• The University of Pittsburgh Division of Geriatric Medicine is one of the largest academic geriatric divisions in the United States, and it is considered one of the best. The division is nationally known for its work in age-related medical ethics, nutrition, home care, urinary incontinence, mobility and balance disorders, epidemiology, osteoporosis, chronic pain, heart disease, and dementia.
• The University of Pittsburgh Division of Geriatric Medicine and the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry have both been designated as National Centers of Excellence as defined by the John A. Hartford Foundation of New York City, making us one of the only academic medical centers to receive this designation.. The funding from Hartford Foundation is being used to enhance the university's excellent clinical and research training programs.
• By far, UPMC has more fellowship and board-certified geriatricians than any health system in the region. UPMC's team approach involves geriatricians in comprehensive geriatric care. This feature distinguishes it from the care available at most doctors' offices.

Alzheimer's Disease

• The University of Pittsburgh's Alzheimer Disease Research Center is one of only 27 such centers designated by the National Institute on Aging.

Cancer

• UPMC Cancer Centers is home to one of a select number of Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States. It is the only one in the region. UPMC Cancer Centers and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute are known worldwide for medical care, research, and education.

Psychiatry

• Department of Psychiatry of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine receives more grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Drug Abuse, and the National Institute of Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse than any other department in the United States.

Arthritis

• UPMC's excellence in arthritis research has been recognized by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. This organization designated the UPMC Arthritis Institute as one of only 13 multi-purpose Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Centers in the United States.

Osteoporosis

• UPMC Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Center focuses on treatment and management of this disabling condition affecting millions of women and men. Research into the development of this condition translates into innovative treatments. Prevention and treatment will impact on reduction of vertebral fractures and spinal deformities as well as other fractures that lead to significant loss of function and independence.

Incontinence

• Urinary Incontinence Programs at UPMC Senior Care – Benedum Geriatric Center combines research and treatment, addressing a major precipitating factor for significant disability and dependency in the elderly. By recognizing the social, financial, and medical impacts caused by this symptom, then treating underlying diseases and conditions, UPMC's doctors, clinicians, and researchers develop treatment guidelines for the global community.

Administrative Structure

The administrators of the Institute on Aging are:

Neil M. Resnick, MD
Director

Richard Schulz, PhD
Associate director

Shikha Iyengar
Administrative director

An advisory board guides the Institute on Aging, with input from the University of Pittsburgh's Council on Aging and three advisory councils that help develop, enhance, and link institute programs:

Clinical Advisory Council
The members of this council are regional experts who provide medical care to older adults. These experts report on care currently available, gaps in care, and ways in which the institute's research, educational, and clinical resources can be used to help patients and clients. The Clinical Advisory Council also suggests ways to enhance access to UPMC and community health care services for older adults.

Research Advisory Council
The Research Advisory Council identifies new research opportunities. Council members are particularly interested in research that involves multidisciplinary collaboration. To facilitate research, council members help establish links among researchers, clinical sites, and data. In addition, the council provides research assistance in regard to grant applications, subject recruitment, and seminars.

Educational Advisory Council
University curricula and nonacademic continuing education courses and programs are the focus of the Educational Advisory Council. Council members work with the University of Pittsburgh to evaluate, develop, and enhance academic courses and programs (internships, residencies, and fellowships) and other curricula in the fields of geriatrics, gerontology, and health services.

To learn more about the Institute on Aging, contact us.

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