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Cathleen Sellner Colon-Emeric

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


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 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 · July 5, 2024 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

Deprescribing electronic case reviews for older veterans at risk for falls: Effects on drug burden and falls.

Journal Article J Am Geriatr Soc · February 2024 BACKGROUND: Falls are the most common medication-related safety event in older adults. Deprescribing fall risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) may mitigate fall risk. This study assesses the effects of an innovative deprescribing program in reducing FRID burden a ... Full text Link to item Cite

Preoperative electroencephalographic alpha-power changes with eyes opening are associated with postoperative attention impairment and inattention-related delirium severity.

Journal Article Br J Anaesth · January 2024 BACKGROUND: In the eyes-closed, awake condition, EEG oscillatory power in the alpha band (7-13 Hz) dominates human spectral activity. With eyes open, however, EEG alpha power substantially decreases. Less alpha attenuation with eyes opening has been associ ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


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

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute · 2024 - 2029

Endocrinology and Metabolism Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Deprescribing Decision-Making using Machine Learning Individualized Treatment Rules to Improve CNS Polypharmacy

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

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Education, Training & Certifications


Johns Hopkins University · 1994 M.D.