Kathryn TaylorI grew up with a large aging community, spending time doing activities in our local Senior Centers and community organizations. With the activities I did with my own grand and great-grandparents and with associations in the community, I gained many grandparental friends and figures. I always had an interest in geriatrics, but my love for the specialty and its population became more apparent to me after I served as a PCA for an assisted living with a memory care unit. Not every part of that position was glamorous, but I learned a great amount about not only physically caring for people who are aging, but also their mental and spiritual wellbeing. I am drawn to Memory Care, because not only do people there need a little more care, but they also need a lot of love and attention. I will always be thankful for my experiences with them. It helped me identify an area where I might one day serve.
After beginning clinical rotations as part of my Physician Assistant degree training, I started seeing how being an advocate for the geriatric community, and how understanding them and their care can be implemented in different practices and specialties. In clinics, I find myself taking care of a sizable number of older patients, both in illness and in wellness checks. Often, I have found that older patients present worse symptoms and illness progression due to obstacles out of their control, where a little extra assistance and education could make significant differences in their care and outlook. As I look to the future, I see myself serving older adults and the aging population. There are so many older adults in need, that I hope to not only treat their acute illnesses but aid in managing chronic conditions and reducing chronic pain. I also hope to combat agism through my actions and educating my peers and fellow medical professionals. With the large variety of advancements being made in how to identify and treat illness and disease, in both the general and geriatric population, I am excited to see what improvements result, and how they are implemented. I hope to meet elderly patients and help them, whether that be physically or mentally, and collaborate with them for their best care. I am extremely grateful for this scholarship and the opportunity to join this society. Your support means a great deal to me for my academic career as I look forward to completing my degree and joining the medical community. Thank you. I strive to be a provider that takes the time to listen, observe, and understand my patients, and plan to take the time to use the most up to date recommendations and treat the whole person in all aspects of their health. |
Peri StevensAs a current oncology nurse dedicated to caring for geriatric patients, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and complexities that older adults face when battling cancer. Each day, I am inspired by their resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. My experiences on the front lines of cancer care have deepened my passion for serving this population, igniting a drive to advocate for their needs and ensure they receive the highest quality of care. Through my journey in nurse practitioner school, I aim to bridge the gap between oncology and geriatrics, integrating innovative strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve outcomes and enhance the overall care experience for older adults facing cancer.
As the population ages, the need for specialized care for older adults facing cancer becomes increasingly important. Geriatric oncology differs from traditional oncology because it considers older adults' unique challenges, such as multiple comorbidities, cognitive impairments, polypharmacy, and functional declines. These factors can significantly impact treatment decisions, outcomes, and quality of life for older cancer patients. Traditional oncology models may not always be equipped to address the specific needs of older adults, leading to potential under or overtreatment, decreased adherence to treatment, and lower quality of life. An integrated approach will allow providers to anticipate better and address the complex needs of older adults facing cancer, leading to improved outcomes and a higher quality of life. Pursuing my personal goals, I recognize the indispensable role of an interprofessional approach in providing comprehensive care for older adults facing cancer. Collaboration among healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines, including geriatrics, oncology, nursing, social work, and pharmacy, is essential to address the multifaceted needs of this population. Through effective teamwork and communication, each healthcare team member can contribute their unique expertise to develop personalized care plans, optimize treatment outcomes, and enhance the overall well-being of older adults with cancer. By fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect among healthcare providers, I aim to create a cohesive and patient-centered care environment that prioritizes the needs of older adults, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care throughout their cancer journey. Receiving this scholarship award will be instrumental in helping me achieve my goals of specializing in geriatric oncology and positively impacting the lives of older adults in Indiana. The financial support will enable me to fully dedicate myself to my studies and clinical experiences, honing my skills and knowledge to become a nurse practitioner in this specialized field. I am committed to enhancing the visibility of geriatric medicine in Indiana, advocating for policies that positively impact the care of older adults, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and building community relationships to ensure older adults receive care tailored to their unique needs. By embodying the values of the IGS in my practice, I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Hoosier older adults facing cancer and contribute to the advancement of geriatric oncology in Indiana and beyond. |