Students Present Their Research at AGS' Annual Scientific Meetings, Learn About Field, Thanks to FHA Student Researcher Fund And "An Evening With Friends"

Medical student Tanuj Palvia wouldn't have been able to attend and present his research at the American Geriatrics Society's 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting - and wouldn't have realized just how much geriatrics has to offer -- had it not been for the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging's Student Researcher Fund.

Supported by the FHA's annual "An Evening With Friends" benefit, (see related story) the fund helps defray travel expenses for students like Palvia who have been chosen to present their research during the meeting.

Each year, AGS accepts more than 100 student abstracts for presentation in the meeting's general poster and paper sessions as well as a special student poster session. Helping student researchers attend the meeting, present their findings and meet professionals in the field both raises their awareness of the importance of understanding older adults' unique healthcare needs and gives them a sense of what an exciting and rewarding field geriatrics is.

Palvia, a third year medical student at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC, says he's still exploring his options in medicine but is considering a career in geriatrics.

"Geriatrics is definitely on my list," he says. "However, there is so much left to see!"

The research Palvia presented at AGS' 2007 meeting focused on neurology and cardiology and how scientific advances allow people to live longer and more comfortably as they age.

"Attending the meeting and presenting my research allowed me to consider the field more seriously, and will certainly play an important role as I narrow my options," he says. "Attending gave me the opportunity to meet geriatricians from all over the world, as well as learn all about the most current research in the field. I came back from AGS with a whole new perspective and set of research interests that I want to pursue in the future." Without the Student Researcher Fund he would have missed out on an incredible opportunity, he says. "I am very thankful for the award."