In August, eight of the country’s leading health professionals were recognized for their deep commitment to the AGS and advancing high-quality, personcentered care by achieving fellowship status with the AGS. AGS Fellows are a select group of experts who have demonstrated commitment to the field, contributed to advances in care, and are active participants in AGS activities.
Congrats to:
Our newest class of fellows reflects the dedication to geriatrics education, clinical care, and research indicative of our Society’s commitment to quality care for us all as we age. Each year, a cohort of highly qualified AGS members earn fellowship status following a rigorous application process, which includes assessments covering a wide range of criteria from continuing education to public service and geriatrics scholarship. Applications are accepted twice yearly, with more information available at https://www.americangeriatrics.org/membership/fellowship-ags.
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is excited to invite you to the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, happening from May 8-10 (pre-conference day: May 7) in Chicago, IL. While our first virtual meeting in the pilot program alternating between virtual and hybrid meetings last year was a great success, we’re excited to be meeting in person in 2025. Our Annual Scientific Meeting remains the premier event for geriatrics education, featuring the latest in clinical care, aging research, and innovative models of care delivery whether we gather in a virtual or physical space.
Professionals from all healthcare disciplines—physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, social workers, long-term care and managed care providers, healthcare administrators, and more—are invited to attend. With a diverse range of sessions, there's something for everyone, whether you're early in your career or an experienced leader in the field. This year’s in-person meeting offers ample opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow through social events and networking.
“#AGS24’s success highlighted the importance of continuing to come together as a geriatrics community to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and support the next generation of leaders from wherever we may have been living and working,” said Liron Sinvani, MD, Program Chair. “Having been witness to the energy and collaboration of the Virtual 2024 Meeting, I am excited see how much that can compound when we connect face-to-face again at #AGS25. There will be countless opportunities at #AGS25 to attend research presentations, keynotes, and social events that engage attendees at every career stage. I am so looking forward to seeing my friends and colleagues as well as meeting our new members.”
Don’t miss your chance to be part of #AGS25 in Chicago - an opportunity to advance your practice and expand your professional network in the heart of a vibrant city!
Sessions Preview
Sessions covering a range of topics will run throughout the meeting, representing the breadth and depth of subjects relevant to geriatrics. The following is a preview of the wider program:
Geriatrics Literature Update: 2025
Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the famous Geriatrics Literature Update sing-along with Kenneth Covinsky, MD, MPH; Eric W. Widera, MD; and Alexander K. Smith, MD, MS, MPH, a long-standing favorite of the annual meeting. Ken, Eric, and Alex will guide attendees together one last time through the top papers from 2024, with insights on how the latest findings can shape geriatric practice and patient care. You’ll hear about the newest clinical advances and gain a better understanding of how to apply critical research to your own work with older adults. You don’t want to miss out on this fun tradition, while also exploring the most impactful research published over the past year.
Mix, Mingle, and Make Connections
This year’s Annual Meeting in Chicago is all about making connections. Along with the educational and professional development sessions, meeting in person allows us more opportunities to network in both professional and social settings. Whether it’s during one of our receptions, Special Interest Group meetings, or Section meetings, there will be lots of opportunities to meet and engage with others. Be sure to pack your dancing shoes as well – as the AGS Dance Party is back (another highly anticipated Annual Meeting tradition)! We all look forward to this fun event where we can kick back, catch up and have fun with our colleagues and friends, and make some new friends too. “Our Annual Scientific Meeting is more than just an opportunity to learn— it’s where we connect to other people,” said Dr. Sinvani. “This gathering brings together a diverse community of professionals who are passionate about geriatrics. Whether it’s through attending sessions, engaging in discussions, or connecting at social events, attendees often leave with not only new knowledge but also lasting friendships and professional connections. These relationships can provide invaluable support throughout your career and life. For many, AGS is more than a meeting- it’s a professional home.” Make the most of your time in Chicago by jumping into these networking opportunities headfirst!
Follow #AGS25 for Updates!
Use the hashtags #AGS25 and #AGSProud to spread the word about your meeting plans and to connect with other attendees online. Look for updates from @AmerGeriatrics, @AGSJournal, @HealthinAging, and AGS CEO @NLundebjerg to remain in-theknow about all things #AGS25. Plus, remember to follow meeting updates on MyAGSOnline, the exclusive online forum for AGS members. Log in at MyAGSOnline.AmericanGeriatrics.org and view the AGS Member Forum to learn about sessions that already have your colleagues talking. For people who are unable to attend the meeting in person, we will be offering AGS25 On-Demand, which includes access to 19 post-meeting session recordings on demand after the in-person meeting. Attendees who view those recorded sessions will be able to earn 19.25 CME/MOC/CE credits. Visit Meeting. AmericanGeriatrics.org to register, view a program schedule, and check on other updates. Visit the site often for news about #AGS25!
We are rolling out new giving levels at the AGS Health in Aging Foundation, and I could not be more excited as these will allow us to recognize the many AGS members who support the AGS Health in Aging Foundation for your support of the Foundation (see figure). Because of your generosity, we are able to meet the needs of the nearly one million people who visit healthinaging.org annually for up-to-date information on older adult health and wellness. Your support also helps bring trainees to the AGS Annual Scientific Meeting, which is vital to nurturing a commitment to caring for older adults.
It gives me great joy that 1,600 of our AGS members are donors of the AGS Health in Aging Foundation. If you haven’t already given a gift this year, please consider a donation as a part of your own end-of-year charitable gift planning. Donations can be made at https://bit.ly/HiAF-donate-today. No gift is too small, and every donation helps us to advance our mission.
While I am on the topic of joy and gratitude, I am grateful to the 290 geriatrics fellows who started their fellowship on July 1, 2024, and delighted to welcome them into a field that has done so much to improve care of older adults. This year, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with fellows at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) and at Northwell Health. Spending time with the next generation of geriatrics health professionals always brings me joy. Our future is brighter because of them!
As always, I am grateful to the many AGS members who contribute to our work. In his From the President column, Mark Supiano has written about some of that work and provides a look ahead to what’s coming up in 2025 – I encourage you to read his column. On the policy front, I want to highlight that CMS finalized three new codes in the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final rule. The three new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) G-codes (GPCM1, GPCM2, and GPCM3) will recognize APCM services stratified by the number of chronic conditions and whether the patient is a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB). The codes bundle certain management and communication technology based services (CTBS) provided under an advanced primary care delivery model, which is defined as one where the practitioner is the continuing focal point for all needed health care services and responsible for all primary care services. CMS expects the proposed codes will simplify billing compared to existing care management and CTBS codes. This proposal recognizes elements that we believe are vital components of primary care, including team-based care and an ongoing, longitudinal relationship with the patient. AGS has long been an advocate for payment for the type of care that geriatrics health professionals provide, and this is a big step forward. A huge thank you to everyone who is involved with our payment work – we would not accomplish these types of changes if it were not for you. For a small organization, AGS has a broad and deep footprint in public policy and I encourage AGS members to review our 2024 policy highlights.
AGS Census Update
I am pleased to share our third annual report card that gives a summary of the demographic data that we have been asking all AGS members to share. Tables 1, 2, and 3 report our findings, as of November 1, 2024, on gender, Hispanic, Latinx or Spanish origin, and race and ethnicity. Our commitment to publishing this annually is part of our efforts to embed attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do across all of our programs and activities.
As we did in 2023, we asked our 2024 annual meeting attendees to share their demographic data so that we could provide a comparison of who is presenting at the meeting to attendees. Our presenter category is inclusive of moderators and speakers at invited sessions and paper/poster presenters. Tables 4, 5, and 6 report our findings, as of October 30, 2024, on gender, Hispanic, Latinx, Spanish origin and race & ethnicity.
As always, we are grateful to our members and annual meeting attendees who completed our demographic questions. Having demographic data helps us to identify where we might have gaps across the work that we do and having a rich member dataset to which we can compare helps to inform our activities. We have also published this report on our website.
I’ll close this column out with a huge thanks and shout out to the talented and committed AGS staff team. They are dedicated to our mission and work every day in ways both big and small to ensure that all of us age with independence, dignity, and quality of life. They’ve chosen to devote their one wild and precious life to the work that we do and for that I am grateful.
On behalf of the AGS staff team, our best to all our members as we close out 2024 and we are looking forward to supporting you in 2025 –
Tables 1, 2, and 3 report our findings, as of November 1, 2024, on gender, Hispanic, Latinx or Spanish origin, and race and ethnicity.
Table 1. Gender, AGS Members & Leadership | ||
Response | AGS Members | AGS Board & Committee Leaders |
Female | 2,610 (61%) | 112 (69%) |
Male | 1,596 (37%) | 50 (31%) |
Non-binary | 4 (<1%) | 0 (-%) |
Prefer not to answer | 66 (2%) | 1 (1%) |
Respondents | 4,276 | 163 |
Table 2. Hispanic, Latinx or Spanish Origin, AGS Members & Leaders | ||
Response | AGS Members | AGS Board & Committee Leaders |
No, not of Hispanic, Latinx or Spanish origin | 2,340 (88%) | 150 (95%) |
Yes, another Latin or Spanish Origin | 119 (4%) | 2 (1%) |
Yes, Mexican, Mexican Am or Chicano | 60 (2%) | 1 (1%) |
Yes, Puerto Rican | 36 (1%) | 2 (1%) |
Yes, Cuban | 10 (<1%) | 0 (-%) |
Prefer not to answer | 99 (4%) | 3 (2%) |
Respondents | 2,664 | 158 |
Table 3. Race & Ethnicity, AGS Members & Leaders | ||
Response | AGS Members | AGS Board & Committee Leaders |
White—For example, German, Irish, English, Italian, Polish, French | 1,352 (52%) | 88 (56%) |
Asian—For example, Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese | 639 (25%) | 43 (27%) |
Hispanic, Latinx or Spanish Origin—For example, Mexican or Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Salvadoran, Dominican, Columbian | 183 (7%) | 5 (3%) |
Black or African American—For example, Jamaican, Haitian, Nigerian, Ethiopian, Somalian | 152 (6%) | 9 (6%) |
Middle Eastern or North African—For example, Lebanese, Iranian, Egyptian, Syrian, Moroccan, Algerian | 71 (3%) | 5 (3%) |
Some other race, ethnicity, or origin, please specify below. | 52 (2%) | 3 (2%) |
American Indian or Alaska Native—For example, Navajo Nation, Blackfeet Tribe, Mayan, Aztec, Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional Government, Nome Eskimo Community | 14 (1%) | 0 (-%) |
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander—For example, Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Chamorro, Tongan, Fijian, Marshallese | 6 (<1%) | 0 (-%) |
Prefer not to answer | 202 (8%) | 8 (5%) |
Respondents* | 2,578 | 157 |
*Respondents could choose more than one response
Tables 4, 5, and 6 report our findings on gender, Hispanic, Latinx, Spanish origin, and race and ethnicity of #AG24 Meeting Attendees and Presenters.
Table 4. Gender, #AGS24 Attendees & Presenters | ||
Response | #2024 Attendees | #2024 Presenters |
Female | 1,612 (71%) | 548 (67%) |
Male | 598 (26%) | 255 (31%) |
Non-binary | 7 (<1%) | 3 (<1%) |
Prefer not to answer | 60 (3%) | 9 (1%) |
Respondents | 2,277 | 815 |
Table 5. Hispanic, Latinx or Spanish Origin, #AGS24 Attendees & Presenters | ||
Response | #2024 Attendees | #2024 Presenters |
No, not of Hispanic, Latinx or Spanish origin | 1,991 (87%) | 702 (86%) |
Prefer not to answer | 93 (4%) | 36 (4%) |
Yes, another Latin or Spanish Origin | 96 (4%) | 40 (5%) |
Yes, Mexican, Mexican Am or Chicano | 56 (2%) | 21 (2%) |
Yes, Puerto Rican | 33 (1%) | 13 (1%) |
Yes, Cuban | 8 (<1%) | 3 (<1%) |
Respondents | 2,277 | 815 |
Table 6. Race & Ethnicity, #AGS24 Attendees & Presenters | ||
Response | #2024 Attendees | #2024 Presenters |
White—For example, German, Irish, English, Italian, Polish, French | 1,082 (48%) | 355 (44%) |
Asian—For example, Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese | 635 (28%) | 284 (35%) |
I prefer not to answer. | 224 (10%) | 47 (6%) |
Hispanic, Latinx or Spanish Origin—For example, Mexican or Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Salvadoran, Dominican, Columbian | 172 (8%) | 67 (8%) |
Black or African American—For example, Jamaican, Haitian, Nigerian, Ethiopian, Somalian | 130 (6%) | 41 (5%) |
Middle Eastern or North African—For example, Lebanese, Iranian, Egyptian, Syrian, Moroccan, Algerian | 83 (4%) | 43 (5%) |
Some other race, ethnicity, or origin, please specify below. | 51 (2%) | 16 (2%) |
American Indian or Alaska Native—For example, Navajo Nation, Blackfeet Tribe, Mayan, Aztec, Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional Government, Nome Eskimo Community | 15 (1%) | 1 (<1%) |
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander—For example, Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Chamorro, Tongan, Fijian, Marshallese | 9 (<1%) | 4 (<1%) |
Respondents* | 2,277 | 815 |
*Respondents could choose more than one response
As the year winds down, I have had time to look back and reflect on the past year’s accomplishments at the American Geriatrics Society (AGS). I am proud to recognize the progress we've made together in advancing our shared mission. This past year has brought new opportunities, milestones, and challenges that have highlighted the strength and resilience of the AGS community. From inspiring initiatives
and expanded educational resources to advocacy efforts that shape the future of geriatrics, AGS has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting our members and improving care for older adults.
Looking ahead to 2025, I am excited to build on this momentum. The coming year promises further growth and collaboration that will enhance the practice and understanding of geriatrics nationwide. In this final From the President article of the year, I would like to highlight some of AGS’s defining achievements of 2024 and share what I am excitedly looking forward to in 2025.
The AGS 2024 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting was a major highlight of the year for me, bringing together experts in geriatrics to explore the latest research and innovations in the care of older adults. With engaging sessions, collaborative online discussions, and cutting-edge presentations, the virtual format enabled widespread participation and offered valuable insights to clinicians, researchers, and educators alike. I was honored to host the #AGS24 Awards Ceremony, recognizing the excellence of our members across geriatric disciplines, and to open the plenary paper session where I had the privilege of welcoming presenters whose groundbreaking research spanned topics from genetics and testosterone to Veterans’ home-based care and patient decision making. Like me, I hope that #AGS24 attendees left with fresh perspectives and resources after enjoying sessions like the widely popular geriatrics literature review session, reflecting AGS’s commitment to advancing the field and supporting professionals dedicated to geriatrics.
In March, AGS/ADGAP, in partnership with Phairify, launched the Calendar Year 2023 (CY23) Benchmarking Core Survey, along with modular surveys tailored to specific practice settings, including acute care, ambulatory, home care, and long-term care. These surveys create an invaluable, anonymous dataset that aggregates geriatrician data on compensation, productivity, and practice characteristics across numerous settings where geriatricians provide care. I am especially proud of the progress being made on this front as I have had the privilege of being part of the planning group.
I am excited to see AGS members continue to build this rich data asset which they will then have access to as members, as it will empower geriatrics academic programs and AGS members to better understand and articulate their impact and value. I encourage all AGS geriatrician members to participate in the survey - the more members who complete the surveys, the richer and more meaningful the data will be. The CY23 Surveys close at the end of this year– so if you haven’t already, be sure to complete and submit your surveys today!
Looking ahead to 2025…
While I enjoyed the #AGS24 virtual meeting, I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Chicago at our AGS Annual Scientific Meeting, May 8-10, 2025; preconference day: May 7. We can’t wait to bring everyone together under one roof to share the latest advancements in geriatrics, connect with peers, and celebrate our exceptional members and their achievements. This year's meeting promises another engaging program filled with cutting-edge research presentations, educational sessions, clinical guideline updates in managing hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes, and collaborative discussions aimed at enhancing care for older adults. The AGS Annual Scientific Meeting has always been a premier event, whether held in-person or virtually, drawing a community of professionals dedicated to advancing geriatrics. With a wide array of sessions and networking opportunities, attendees can look forward to in-depth discussions on clinical care, innovative research, and policy issues shaping the future of geriatrics. Plus, this year's location in Chicago adds to the excitement, offering a vibrant backdrop on Lake Michigan’s shoreline filled with cultural attractions, world-renowned dining, and the warm hospitality of the Midwest. I hope to see everyone there!
2025 will be an exciting year for AGS publications - with the release of the 12th edition of the Geriatrics Review Syllabus (GRS12), the GRS12 Teaching Slides, Geriatrics Nursing Review Syllabus (GNRS8), GNRS8 Teaching Slides, the Updated Geriatrics Evaluation and Management Tools (GEMS), and the 27th Edition of Geriatrics at Your Fingertips. AGS is working to release brand new resources as well, including a new AGS Beers Criteria® Companion Tool consisting of alternative treatments to medications in the AGS Beers Criteria®, and exciting new online educational curricula including one on new diagnostic technologies and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
The AGS is working hard to ensure that healthcare professionals have access to the latest guidance, educational materials, and clinical tools across the board to provide high-quality, person-centered care to patients. By developing these resources and tools, AGS continues to equip clinicians, educators, and trainees with knowledge that keeps pace with the evolving field of geriatrics, fostering improved outcomes for older adults nationwide.
Also, be sure to keep an eye out for AGS websites’ refreshed look at americangeriatrics.org as well as GeriatricsCareOnline.org. These upcoming website updates will focus on enhancing accessibility and creating a more user-friendly experience, ensuring that vital resources and information are easily available to all users, including those with disabilities. This is just another way that AGS is working to foster an inclusive environment that supports healthcare professionals in providing the best care for older adults.
As we close out 2024 and look toward an exciting new year, I am filled with optimism for what lies ahead. AGS continues to work to provide us all with up-to-date practical resources and tools, launching innovative projects like the AGS Beers Criteria® alternative medications list, gathering vital data through the CY23 Benchmarking Surveys and advocating relentlessly on our behalf. Thank you for being an essential part of AGS. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in 2025 and beyond, as we continue to make advancements in the field of geriatrics and work toward a better future for older adults everywhere.
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AGS started to convene its SIG and Section fall meetings.
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How did you become interested in geriatrics?
I found my way into geriatrics a bit by accident. After returning from maternity leave during my third year of residency, I was unsure about specializing. I loved hospital medicine and was looking for a way to get into research, but finding the right mentorship had been a challenge. Then, the Chief of Geriatrics and Palliative Care at my health system suggested I consider geriatrics. I realized that I had a deep connection with older adults—especially through my grandparents who were always a huge part of my life. So, I met with the fellowship director, Dr. Gisele Wolf-Klein. We connected immediately. She told me, “I’m going to teach you how to do research. You are going to become the best researcher-geriatrician.”
I followed my gut and pursued geriatrics, which turned out to be the best decision I’ve made—both professionally and personally. During my first year of fellowship, I published two papers, secured my first NIH grant, and really caught the research bug. The support I’ve received from the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and the Tideswell Emerging Leaders in Aging Program has been amazing, providing me with connections and opportunities that shaped my career.
What is your favorite part of working with older adults?
First, I love talking and connecting with older adults. There’s so much wisdom and so many life lessons that come from their experiences. Aging has many beautiful parts to it, but it also has difficult aspects – including a lot of loss, which can include the loss of loved ones, independence, or even cognition. I find a lot of meaning in being there to support both patients and their families through both the good and the bad. As a geriatric hospitalist, I often remind my colleagues that while no one wants their patients to end up in the hospital, when they do, you want someone with geriatric training— like me— caring for them. Ultimately, I find a lot of joy from helping my patients age, live, or even die with dignity and peace.
What are you most proud of in your career?
What I’m most proud of is staying true to myself and not letting outside opinions sway me. Choosing geriatrics and staying with the health system I love has allowed me to achieve so much—from securing funding and a professorship to becoming an expert in my field—while doing it my way. I’ve been able to maintain meaningful relationships with the amazing collaborators I’ve worked with since my residency, which has been incredibly fulfilling. At the same time, I’m proud that I’ve been able to do all of this while still caring for patients in the hospital when they’re at their most vulnerable. Lastly, the relationships I’ve built through the AGS and the Tideswell program have enriched my career and been a huge part of my journey.
What are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m working on several grants – but one of my main areas of focus, and one that I am most excited about, is on dysphagia in persons with dementia. This affects so many people and has such a huge impact on quality of life. We recently had a paper on the effect of thickened liquids on hospitalized persons with dementia published in JAMA Internal Medicine, which was also featured in The New York Times. It highlighted how this universal practice may not be as evidence-based as we once thought, and we are continuing to build on that research. We are also in the process of developing a website for caregivers of persons with dysphagia as part of an NIA grant. In addition to that, we’re working on improving nursing assistants' training and education to provide better dementia care in the hospital. And a third area of focus of mine is on improving delirium screening and detection in hospital settings.
What advice would you share with someone who is considering geriatrics or just starting out in the field?
My biggest piece of advice is to not hesitate—geriatrics is an incredible career choice, and the field offers so much opportunity. Whether you’re interested in clinical care, research, education, or leadership, it is an amazing time to be a geriatrician. I often tell trainees that when you go into geriatrics, to be prepared to become a leader. As geriatric health care providers, we are uniquely poised to take on leadership roles that can truly impact the healthcare system. You’ll have the opportunity to think innovatively and improve care for older adults in meaningful ways. Geriatrics opens many doors—you can work in hospitals, outpatient settings, skilled nursing facilities, or even shape public policy. Even if you’re unsure whether it’s your ultimate path, geriatrics is a valuable investment in your professional future.
What is your favorite thing about the AGS or your favorite memory involving the AGS?
I absolutely love the AGS. Early in my career as a hospitalist, I joined several other societies, but I always found myself coming back to AGS. The AGS community is filled with incredible, supportive people—amazing physicians, innovators, and researchers—and I have really enjoyed getting to know the other members. The staff is equally remarkable—friendly, supportive, and dedicated to leading important initiatives that make a real difference. One of the things I appreciate most is how AGS elevates its members by giving them opportunities to make an impact on a national level. Whether it’s through leadership roles, research, or advocacy, AGS provides a platform to truly influence the care of older adults. We may be a relatively small society, but our collective impact on the health and well-being of older adults is tremendous.
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