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Cathleen Sellner Colon-Emeric

James B. Wyngaarden Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care
Duke Box 3003, Durham, NC 27710
3502 Hosp South, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Current research focuses on the epidemiology, prediction, and prevention of osteoporotic fractures in elderly persons, and in improving the quality of care delivered to residents in skilled nursing facilities. Ongoing projects include a large, administrative database study of osteoporosis screening in men, a randomized trial of different staff education strategies to improve fall prevention in nursing homes, and several clinical demonstration projects.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


James B. Wyngaarden Distinguished Professor of Medicine · 2025 - Present Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Medicine
Professor of Medicine · 2017 - Present Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Medicine
Chief, Division of Geriatrics in the Department of Medicine · 2019 - Present Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Medicine
Senior Fellow in the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development · 2003 - Present Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published September 4, 2025
Men Have Bone Loss Similar to Women. A VA Program Helped Them Catch It Early
Published March 25, 2025
Duke Honors 31 New Distinguished Professors
Published March 24, 2020
How to Support Older Relatives During the Covid-19 Outbreak

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Recent Publications


Enhancing team communication to improve implementation of a supervised walking program for hospitalized veterans: Evidence from a multi-site trial in the Veterans Health Administration.

Journal Article PM R · November 2025 INTRODUCTION: The timely translation of evidence-based programs into real-world clinical settings is a persistent challenge due to complexities related to organizational context and team function, particularly in inpatient settings. Strategies are needed t ... Full text Link to item Cite

Remote Bone Health Service for Osteoporosis Screening in High-Risk Men: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.

Journal Article JAMA Intern Med · October 1, 2025 IMPORTANCE: Evidence supporting osteoporosis screening in men is limited. Efficient models that promote osteoporosis screening and adherence in primary care are needed. OBJECTIVE: To test the impact of a centralized, remote bone health service (BHS) on scr ... Full text Link to item Cite

PReventing Injury in Skilled nursing facilities through optimizing Medications (PRISM), a protocol for a cluster randomized trial to reduce injurious falls in post-acute care.

Journal Article Trials · September 26, 2025 BACKGROUND: Patients who receive post-acute care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) following a fracture are at high risk for subsequent fall-related injuries. Optimizing medication management may mitigate this risk. This manuscript describes the protocol ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


2/3 CTSA K12 Program at Duke University

ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030

Models of Post-Acute Care in Complex Older Adults with Fracture

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute · 2024 - 2030

Endocrinology and Metabolism Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2024 - 2029

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Education, Training & Certifications


Johns Hopkins University · 1994 M.D.