United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center

Profile - Baltimore

Baltimore, MD GRECC

 

Baltimore GRECC (18)
VA Medical Center
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 605-7183 
Fax: (410) 605-7913
Website:

 

Affiliation:   

  • University of Maryland 

 

GRECC Director:   

  • Andrew P. Goldberg, M.D.   

 

Associate Director for Research: 

  • Richard Macko, M.D.   

 

Associate Director for Education/Evaluation: 

  • Marianne Shaughnessy, Ph.D., R.N.  

 

Associate Director for Clinical Programs: 

  • Leslie I. Katzel, M.D., Ph.D.   

 

 

 

 

Research Focus:
Basic Biomedical: Metabolism, Genetics, Cellular/Molecular Biology
Researchers address the molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms underlying aging and associated abnormalities in glucose, fat, and lipid metabolism, and the effect of exercise training and weight loss in subjects with diabetes, stroke, obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
Applied Clinical: Exercise, Diet and Gene Effects on CVD Risk
Effects of exercise and diet modification on risk factors for CVD in older veterans. Researchers address the effects of gene-environment interactions on the mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise and weight loss interventions on hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Researchers also examine the effects of task-oriented treadmill training on central and peripheral neural mechanisms, fitness levels, cardiovascular disease risk factor profiles and functional status of older patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, peripheral arterial disease and coronary artery disease.
Health Services:Rehabilitation, Functionality and Quality of Life
Researchers examine the effects of exercise and chronic rehabilitation interventions on functional performance and quality of life in veterans with chronic cardiovascular diseases.

Education Focus:
Provide continuing education in the form of research updates and educational programs on best practices in clinical geriatrics for VA housestaff, nursing staff, students and ancillary staff, and community outreach through seminars, workshops and web-based educational programs on successful aging, reduction of cardiovascular disease risk, and stroke rehabilitation. As faculty, our mission is to educate students enrolled in UMB professional schools in principles and practice of gerontology and geriatrics.

Clinical Focus:
Our interdisciplinary teams of geriatricians, nurses, exercise physiologists, dietitians, social workers, and therapists evaluate and care for older veterans. Programs include: Geriatric Evaluation and Management inpatient unit, Geriatric Medicine consult service, Baltimore Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center, Dementia Evaluation and Management service, and Senior Exercise Rehabilitation Center.