Why I’m an AGS Member

SUNNY LINNEBUR, PharmD

SUNNY LINNEBUR PharmD, FCCP, BCPS, CGP Associate Professor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy School of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics

I am a member of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) - and have been for nearly a decade - because of my passion for geriatrics and because the organization is so welcoming to all healthcare providers who work in geriatrics. I have felt great support in my career through the vast network of geriatrics healthcare professionals throughout the country.

The AGS makes an effort to incorporate healthcare professional members in a variety of ways. One way that I have found especially beneficial is the chance to serve on committees both in Public Education and Health Care Systems. Particularly gratifying was the chance to participate in a community outreach program about falls prevention that was associated with the AGS annual meetings in Chicago and Washington, DC. Falls are such a major public health issue. The chance to help lessen that impact was professionally and personally rewarding.

The AGS has long recognized that geriatrics is truly an interdisciplinary field and the organization encourages the contributions and sharing of information among all members of the geriatrics healthcare team. I like that the AGS focuses not only on the complexity of the many health and social needs of older adults, but is also a strong advocate for them and their families.

Medication management is a critical component of care for older adults. This population often takes multiple medications for multiple conditions, and tolerates these medications much differently than younger people. Side effects, such as confusion could lead to assumptions that the person has dementia or could mask other conditions, leading to inappropriate or inadequate care. At the pharmacy level, we have a vital role to play in educating patients, families, and healthcare providers about how to safely take and prescribe medications.

I enjoy attending AGS meetings and networking with other healthcare practitioners to hear other perspectives on taking care of older adults. I take back clinical pearls and collaboration ideas to share with our geriatrics department and other pharmacists. I encourage pharmacists, social workers, physician assistants and nurse practitioners and other healthcare providers to join the AGS, as we are going to be caring for more and more older adults as our elderly population continues to grow.