Gerontology Interest Group - GiG
Based in the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the Gerontology Interest Group - the GiG - is a campus-wide collaboration of students, faculty, and staff who engage in research, advocacy and workforce development to support the needs of the aging population.
This interest group is a common-ground for older adult-devoted faculty and an anchor for soon-to-be practicing nursing students with an interest in older adults. The GiG is a mechanism to mentor undergraduate and graduate students from across campus (for instance, those from engineering, pre-med, business, law, psychology, nursing) who have an interest in working with and for older adults.
For the first time in United States (US) history, older adults are projected to outnumber children by 2030 as all baby boomers will be older than age 65. Moreover, the 65 and older population is expected to nearly double from 13% in 2010 to 24% by 2060. This growth among the older adult population is not unique to the US but is occurring around the globe creating a challenge for all countries to care for this growing and unprecedented older adult population.
Determining how to care for this growing population of older adults with multiple chronic conditions presents both opportunities and challenges. This underscores the urgent need for the education and preparation of nurses and students of all disciplines who are equipped to care for older adults with complex social and health needs, many of whom are suffering from three, four, or even five chronic conditions simultaneously.
The Fitzpatrick College of Nursing is meeting this need with the GiG which aligns with its growing number of faculty with the varied expertise necessary to build a reputation for innovations in research and education across the care continuum, related to older adults.
Co-Directors of the GiG
Christina Whitehouse, PhD, AGPCNP, CDCES, FADCES, Associate Professor
Dr. Whitehouse has more than 10 years of experience as a certified nurse practitioner implementing the Transitional care Model within a large academic medical center. She is also a certified diabetes educator and care specialist. Her research and work have been published and presented both nationally and internationally regarding transitions in care, specifically for older adults with diabetes.
Michelle A. McKay, PhD, RN, CCRN, Assistant Professor
Dr. McKay was named a Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing by the National Hartford Center for Nursing Excellence. Balancing her clinical practice and teaching excellence, she focuses her research on falls and fall prevention in older adults. Her research and work have been published widely and she's often called upon by the media for her expertise.
For questions or inquiries regarding your interest in supporting the GiG, please contact Dr. Whitehouse or Dr. McKay.