Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine
Division Head
The Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, UMSOM was formed in 2020 through the merger of the Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine and the Division of Palliative Medicine.
The combined division led by Raya Elfadel Kheirbek, MD, MPH, FGSA is recognized for its clinical care, research, and education.
The mission of the newly merged division is to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults across settings through providing expert geriatrics and palliative interdisciplinary team-based care, as well as, through our partnerships with the University of Maryland professional schools and the community at large.
Our geriatrics and palliative medicine specialists work within skilled, interdisciplinary teams to maximize independence and reduce the burden of serious illness by supporting the best quality of life throughout the course of a disease and by managing factors that contribute to the suffering of the patient and the patient’s family.
The University of Maryland’s long-standing history of diversity and inclusion offers an exceptional framework for building a united community of patients, clinician educators as well as researchers who develop and test innovative process improvements in care delivery, empower patients and staff, and train the next generation of healthcare leaders.
We are committed to serve through active listening and to learn from our patients and from each other. Our team collaborates with local, national and international programs in ongoing contributions to the development and growth of the field of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine.
Leaders in Palliative Care
Our Palliative Medicine Faculty & Interdisciplinary Team focus on caring for patients with serious illnesses who are coping with a complex burden of symptoms. This care is available for patients of all ages and is provided along with all other medical treatments.
Our team collaborates with local, national, and international programs to contribute to the growth of the Hospice and Palliative Medicine field. Faculty members pursue cutting-edge research and train medical students, residents, and fellows to become excellent clinicians.
Learn about opportunities to support this work
Clinical Care
We are interdisciplinary board-certified specialists who work collaboratively to provide person-centered care that maintains the physical and emotional well-being of patients receiving services and prioritizes dignity, independence and choice as the focus of every healthcare decision.
To learn more see Clinical Care
Research
Our research is based on a deep commitment to improving the health, well-being, and quality of life of older adults across the spectrum of the aging experience. Several faculty members of the division hold joint appointments in the Baltimore Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC).
See our Research section to learn about our research goals and for a list of VA and NIH grants.
Education
Our mission is to improve the care of older adults through expanding the geriatrics and palliative knowledge base by employing geriatrics and palliative principles when caring for diverse older persons and by supporting the integration of geriatrics concepts into the practice of medicine.
Learn more about our healthcare provider educational programs:
- University of Maryland Geriatric Medicine Fellowship
- The VA Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA) Fellowship in Advanced Geriatrics
- The VA Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA) Nurse Practitioner Residency (NPR)
To learn more, please see Education
Faculty
- Gerontology, Geriatrics Faculty
- Palliative Medicine Faculty, Interdisciplinary Team and Support Staff