Overview
I am a geriatrician with research training in population health and chronic disease epidemiology. Through my work, I aim to inform patient-centered care that focuses on optimizing function and quality of life over traditional disease-based approaches. Much of my work has focused on chronic kidney disease, however I have recently broadened the scope of investigation to include other chronic conditions including hypertension and systemic lupus erythematosus. The unifying theme of this work has been applying a geriatric research approach to large studies of chronic disease. As Associate Director of Clinical Programs at the Durham VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, I have also had the opportunity to partner with nephrologists to develop clinical programs in the VA designed to provide patient-centered, geriatric care for older adults with kidney disease.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Publications
Associations of depressive symptoms and antidepressant medication use with physical function among middle-aged adults: Results from the CARDIA Function study.
Journal Article J Affect Disord · May 15, 2026 BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Depressive symptoms (DS) are associated with lower physical function among older adults, and similar associations have been shown in middle-aged adults. However, studies have overlooked the role of antidepressant medications. MET ... Full text Link to item CiteAssociation of Clinic Blood Pressure and Out-of-Clinic Blood Pressure Difference With Falls Among Older Adults With Hypertension.
Journal Article Hypertension · March 2026 BACKGROUND: A barrier to intensification of antihypertensive medication among older adults with hypertension is the perceived risk of falls. Blood pressure (BP) measured in the clinic setting is primarily used to decide whether antihypertensive medication ... Full text Link to item CiteCardiovascular Events in US Adults Aged ≥80 Years: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes.
Journal Article Circ Popul Health Outcomes · February 20, 2026 BACKGROUND: Estimating risk and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality following CVD events can inform strategies for lowering risk in older adults. METHODS: We estimated risk factors for the 5-year cumulative incidence of CVD e ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Functional limitations during the transition to older age
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2029Advancing Geriatrics Infrastructure and Network Growth (AGING) Initiative
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Oregon Health & Science University · 2025 - 2028Improving medication adherence and disease control for patients with multimorbidity: the role of price transparency tools
ResearchCo-Mentor · Awarded by National Institute on Aging · 2023 - 2027View All Grants