The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing (HIGN) organized its first symposium on February 1, 2018, concerning the significant work performed in the field of gerontology by researchers within HIGN and Rory Meyers College of Nursing (NYU Meyers). The symposium consisted of two panel discussions that were introduced by the leading figures in the field. The first part of the discussion addressed the role of science in advancing the treatment of dementia, moderated by Christine Kovner with the participation of Ab Brody and Bei Wu. The second topic highlighted the reducing chronic disease disparities in vulnerable older adults moderated by Vicki Dickson and assisted by Billy Caceres and Tina Sadarangani.
In the first part of the symposium, Wu presented her program of research in dementia and oral care. Moreover, the scientist discussed her extensive research on healthy aging and longevity. Another participant of the first panel, Brody, focused on his program on dementia and caregiver support. Brody also highlighted the research he had performed in the evolving field in medicine, palliative care (NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, 2018). The researcher’s further discussion involved the long-term engagement with HIGN that started with the undergraduate program at NYU and served as the basis for his geriatric training and research program. Furthermore, the second part included the speeches of NYU Meyers Ph.D. graduates Sadarangani and Caceres, who discussed the examination of the vulnerable population groups with chronic diseases. The emphasis was on the lifelong multifactorial influences that caused health issues in one’s adulthood or facilitated their sustainability in aging.
To sum up, the 2018 Nursing Research Symposium demonstrated the significant amount of efforts that was guided and encouraged through the gerontological opportunities and competence of HIGN and NYU Meyers. As described by Dickson, the symposium highlighted the innovative research undertaken at HIGN by nurse scientists from beginners to experts in this area. A particularly relevant part was the discussion of the interdisciplinary teams and mentorship, specifically the unique access to experts the institute provided for its students and faculty.
References
Fain, J. (2017). Reading, understanding, and applying nursing research (5th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. (2018). Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing Research Symposium 2018. (2018). [Video file]. Web.