Ivana A. Vaughn, MPH was amongst the over 3,500 attendees at the 2016 Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Annual Meeting held November 16-20 in New Orleans. GSA is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary research organization focused on aging. Besides being able to network with researchers in gerontology, the most notable session highlights she attended included:
- President’s Opening Plenary: Dr. Vincent Mor was presented with the Kleemeier Award for his extensive research at the intersection of health services research and gerontology.
- Individual Symposiums: Focused on care coordination and care transitions, examining health utilization and costs using national cohort data linked with Medicare claims, delivery system innovations, and multi-morbidity.
- Policy Series Track: Offered several engaging and informative sessions that ranged from the historical evolution of political economy to the future of Social Security.
- Emerging Scholars and Students (ESPO): Sessions for junior researchers on surviving the dissertation process, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and opportunities for speed networking with mentors
- Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council (AGEC): Reviewed a strategic plan for programs that train and develop the gerontology workforce across all levels of higher education.
Ms. Vaughn also volunteered as a GSA Session Monitor assisting presenters, directing attendees to sessions, and tallying session room attendance. She is a third year, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student in Health Services Research and completing a graduate certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice.