Clark aims to further geriatrics

Phillip G. Clark, a University of Rhode Island gerontology professor, has been honored with the “Making a Difference Award” from LeadingAge R.I. for his efforts to improve geriatrics knowledge and health care services.

Why did you initially choose to go into the field of gerontology?

My academic background is in public health, and toward the end of my graduate education I was looking for an area where I could put my knowledge and skills to work in making a difference in the lives of people. At that time, the U.S. was just beginning to recognize the major impacts that population aging would have on health and health care services.

What are some of the ways you have worked to advocate for R.I.’s older population?

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My major focus has been on the importance of educating health care and human service providers in how to provide the best care possible for older adults. Most providers have little or no training in geriatrics and gerontology, so I took this on as an area where I could make a difference.

What steps can we take as a state to improve the quality of life for older adults?

We need to provide them with well-informed and appropriate health care, as well as ensure that we adequately fund social services that enable them to remain at home and in the community for as long as possible. Educating older adults on healthy lifestyle choices is also critically important.

Can you speak on the work of the Academic Health Collaborative at URI?

The Academic Health Collaborative will really advance interdisciplinary collaboration among the health professions at URI to do research that focuses on the complex health problems of our state and nation, as well as to educate students in how to work together in interprofessional teams to provide the best care possible. These skills are increasingly needed by the health care workforce of the future. The AHC shows URI’s commitment to shaping the future of health and health care in the state, the nation and globally. •

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