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Jessica Ma

Assistant Professor of Medicine
Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care
DUMC Box 3688, Durham, NC 27710
Duke South Clinic/Busse Building, Blue Zone, Basement, Durham, NC 27710

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Assistant Professor of Medicine · 2024 - Present Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Medicine

Recent Publications


A Retrospective National Cohort Study of Trends in Mechanical Ventilation Among Veterans Living With Dementia, 2010-2019.

Journal Article J Am Geriatr Soc · January 28, 2026 BACKGROUND: Despite longstanding concern about an increase in use of invasive mechanical ventilation among persons living with dementia (PLWD), no studies have examined trends in mechanical ventilation use among PLWD in Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. In ... Full text Link to item Cite

Characterizing Intervention Components and Complexity of Nonpharmacologic Healthcare Interventions to Manage Distress Behaviors in Older Adults.

Journal Article J Appl Gerontol · January 2026 Distress behaviors are common in residential care settings and contribute to staff burnout and poor quality of life for older adults. While nonpharmacologic interventions reduce distress behaviors, implementation in routine care remains challenging. Our st ... Full text Link to item Cite

Caring Through Complexity: Developing a Palliative Care Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Workflow.

Journal Article J Pain Symptom Manage · December 31, 2025 CONTEXT: Caring for individuals with serious illness and opioid or stimulant use disorder (OUD/STuD) is complex. Palliative care (PC) providers often lack addiction medicine training and report discomfort managing this population. OBJECTIVES: This quality ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Pain Management Decision Making in Advanced Kidney Disease

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Regents of the University of Michigan · 2023 - 2027

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Education, Training & Certifications


Texas A&M University, College of Medicine · 2014 M.D.