Groundbreaking Recognition in Geriatric Research: Dr. Nancy Schoenborn Honored for Her Innovative Work
In an important development for the field of geriatrics, Dr. Nancy Schoenborn was awarded the 2025 Thomas and Catherine Yoshikawa Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement in Clinical Investigation. The announcement was made by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and its Health in Aging Foundation (HiAF). This prestigious accolade recognizes Dr. Schoenborn’s exceptional contributions to the study of individualized care for medically complex older adults, an area that has garnered increasing attention as the older population continues to grow.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at the AGS 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, set to occur from May 8-10 in Chicago, with a pre-conference day on May 7. During this critical event, Dr. Schoenborn will present a lecture titled “Less is More” or “Better Safe than Sorry” – How to Individualize Preventive Care in Medically Complex Older Adults. Her address is anticipated to provide significant insights into the integration of personal preferences and medical decision-making for the elderly.
Dr. Schoenborn holds the position of Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where she is a vital part of the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. Throughout her distinguished career, she has emerged as a national leader in emphasizing the importance of tailoring healthcare to the individual needs and preferences of older patients. By focusing on personalized care, her research aims to improve the quality of life for older adults, many of whom present medically complex challenges.
One of Dr. Schoenborn’s notable achievements lies in addressing the disconnection between medical guidelines—often rooted in abstract concepts such as life expectancy—and the actual perspectives of patients. She has effectively highlighted how terminology and concepts commonly used in healthcare can obscure meaningful patient engagement and understanding. Her work has motivated a re-evaluation of how clinicians communicate about sensitive topics, such as life expectancy and the potential discontinuation of preventive services.
The impact of Dr. Schoenborn’s research is particularly relevant in contexts where older adults face critical health decisions, often involving complicated factors that necessitate careful consideration of personal values. By studying decision-making from both clinician and patient viewpoints, she places a premium on enhancing communication strategies that support patient-centered care—a concept that continues to shape contemporary geriatric practice.
Her ongoing interdisciplinary project addresses an urgent public health issue: the implications of cancer over-screening among older adults. As the health community grapples with the harms associated with excessive screening, Dr. Schoenborn’s work seeks to frame these discussions in an ethically sound manner that empowers patients to make informed choices. The balance between promoting preventive healthcare and respecting individual preferences represents a significant challenge in the care of medically complex patients.
Dr. Schoenborn’s influential contributions to geriatrics have not gone unnoticed within the field. She has received numerous accolades, including grants from the National Institute on Aging and a Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging. These awards underscore her role as a forward-thinking researcher at the forefront of aging studies, facilitating her continued growth and influence in the area of geriatric healthcare.
Her induction into the cohort of Multiple Chronic Conditions Scholars exemplifies her commitment to addressing the multifaceted needs of older adults with varied health challenges. As a T. Franklin Williams Scholar and through her association with organizations focused on aging research, Dr. Schoenborn has positioned herself as a leader advocating for better-training pathways for healthcare providers, thereby enhancing geriatric care as a whole.
The American Geriatrics Society acknowledges Dr. Schoenborn’s transformative research in cancer screening and other pivotal health decisions. AGS President Mark A. Supiano has remarked that her emphasis on communication about patient preferences fundamentally changes how older adults navigate their health journeys. In a healthcare landscape increasingly aware of the diverse needs of older patients, her research embodies a progressive shift towards creating a care environment where individual values take center stage.
As the AGS gears up for its Annual Scientific Meeting, healthcare professionals from various disciplines will gather to learn from cutting-edge research and innovative care models. This annual event not only facilitates professional development but also fosters a unified commitment to enhancing geriatric medicine by prioritizing patient-centered approaches. Such dialogues set the foundation for transformative practices that resonate within the complex world of aging care.
In closing, Dr. Schoenborn’s recognition through the Yoshikawa Award is both a personal honor and a collective victory for the field of geriatrics. Her dedicated pursuit of integrating personal perspectives into medical practice promises to leave an enduring legacy, not only for aging research but also for the quality of healthcare experienced by older adults nationwide. The ongoing evolution of geriatrics as a discipline, grounded in individualized patient care, highlights the importance of addressing the unique needs and goals of older adults—as Dr. Schoenborn continues to champion this essential work.
As society grapples with the challenges of an aging population, the insights and methodologies developed through her research will not only inform clinical practices but also shape policy decisions aimed at improving health outcomes for older individuals. The recognition bestowed upon Dr. Schoenborn serves as a catalyst for continued exploration and innovation in this vital area of healthcare.
Dr. Nancy Schoenborn’s journey epitomizes the proactive drive within geriatrics to bridge the gap between traditional medical paradigms and the evolving needs of an aging society. Her contributions herald a future where personalized care is the standard, ultimately enhancing the lives of older adults and ensuring their voices are heard in healthcare decision-making.
Subject of Research: Individualized care for medically complex older adults
Article Title: Groundbreaking Recognition in Geriatric Research: Dr. Nancy Schoenborn Honored for Her Innovative Work
News Publication Date: April 2, 2025
Web References: AGS Annual Scientific Meeting
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Keywords: Geriatrics, individualized care, cancer screening, preventive healthcare, patient-centered care, decision-making, health communication, aging research.
Tags: AGS 2025 Annual Scientific MeetingAmerican Geriatrics Society recognitionclinical investigation in geriatricsDr. Nancy Schoenborngeriatric research achievementsHealth in Aging Foundation awardindividualized care for older adultsinnovations in elder careJohns Hopkins School of Medicinemedically complex elderly patientspreventive care in geriatricsThomas and Catherine Yoshikawa Award