Institute of Gerontology: A Closer Look

So while I was still on my health disparities kick, I decided to interview Dr. Leonard Poon, director of the Institute of Gerontology at the College of Public Health.

Don't ask me why I was thinking about gerontology as helping me with disparities. I don't even know at this point... but hey, we have geriatrics who experience inequalities in health, so why not?

As far as the school's role in fighting disparities, Poon said, "as a school of College of Public Health, we always think we can reduce it, no matter how big or small."

That's good. At least we're somewhat realistic in minimizing these issues.

"We always want to reduce the magnitude of health disparities."

Right. Of course. Everyone says that.

But he actually does have good ideas.

He wants to put together a proposal to get a preventative research center at the University of Georgia funded by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. HECK YEAH.

"By having a preventative research center at UGA, it would certainly reduce health disparities."

Ways he suggested we do that without a center:
- training of health care professors
- training students
- provide medical education
- continuing education for those who work with older patients

Good interview. Not much of a post.
But I'm still pretty enamored with the preventative research center idea.