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For Immediate Release
March 28, 2007

For more information:
Erin Weller
(212) 308-1414 x 329

American Geriatrics Society's Foundation for Health in Aging Appoints Jan Busby-Whitehead, MD, Sharon Brangman, MD, New Board Members

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) recently appointed Jan Busby-Whitehead, MD, and Sharon Brangman, MD, to its Board of Directors. Drs. Busby-Whitehead and Brangman will assume their new positions during the FHA's October 2007 board meeting.

Dr. Busby-Whitehead is Professor and Chief, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Director of the Program on Aging at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She is also Director of the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program, the Hartford Center of Excellence in Geriatric Medicine, and the Carolina Geriatric Education Center. She is an active clinician and serves as the Medical Director of the Carol Woods Continuing Care Retirement Community. She has been a member of the AGS for 24 years, was previously a member of its Board of Directors, and is currently chair of the Public Education Committee. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs.

Chief of the division of geriatrics and fellowship director of geriatric medicine at the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, Dr. Brangman is also a professor in its department of medicine. She is Director of the Central New York Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Center and is an attending physician at the Rosewood Heights Health Center. She has lectured nationally and internationally on Alzheimer's disease, dementia and cultural issues associated with aging and health. She has been an AGS member for 20 years, and is currently also on the AGS Board of Directors.

"We are delighted that Jan and Sharon will be joining the FHA Board," said Meghan Gerety, MD, Chair of FHA's Board of Directors. "Jan has shown enormous creativity and dedication in helping to develop public education for the Society. Sharon has worked tirelessly in getting our messages out through the media and is a superb communicator. Their experience, leadership skills, and insights make them perfect fits for the FHA Board."

Drs. Busby-Whitehead and Brangman will join Drs. Meghan Gerety (Board Chair); Jerry C. Johnson (Foundation Treasurer); Joseph G. Ouslander; and Eric G. Tangalos; and Ms. Sheila Worthington Lirtzman on the FHA Board. Ms. Linda Hiddemen Barondess, the Foundation's Executive Director, is an Ex-Officio member of the Board.

The FHA thanks outgoing Board Vice Chair, Irene Moore, MSW, AGSF, for her dedicated service to the Foundation.

ABOUT THE AGS

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (www.americangeriatrics.org) is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and public education, research, and public policy. With an active membership of over 6,500 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies, and practices in geriatric medicine.

ABOUT THE FHA

In 1999, the American Geriatrics Society reached beyond its traditional role as a professional medical society and launched the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA). The FHA aims to build a bridge between geriatrics health care professionals and the public, and advocate on behalf of older adults and their special needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and independence, and connections to family and community. The FHA champions initiatives in public education, clinical research, and public policy that advance the principles and practice of geriatrics medicine; educate policy makers and the public on the health care needs and concerns of older adults; support aging research that reduces disability and frailty, and improves quality of life and health outcomes; encourage older adults to be effective advocates for their own health care; and help family members and caregivers take better care of their older loved ones and themselves.