How we treat elderly people ties in to how we value them and the values we
hold generally in our society, says Pamela Brett, geriatrics researcher in the
Dept. of Family Practice.
A new position within the division of Community Geriatrics, Brett’s job will
be to develop a research mandate by co-ordinating, promoting and supporting
research in geriatric health care.
A health-care researcher and consultant, she will form an advisory committee
of family physicians, other health-care professionals, researchers and consumers
to provide advice and feedback on the research program. Brett will also help
doctors and other investigators develop funding proposals, implement research
projects and share findings.
“There are often multiple conditions and factors challenging the health status
of the elderly,” says Brett. “The problems can be quite complex and involve
family, friends and many care providers.”
Brett says that with an aging population, there is a pressing need for information
on health-care requirements and care delivery.
Brett most recently worked with a family practice research unit at the University
of Western Ontario and is excited about the prospect of building a provincial
program.
The geriatrics researcher position is made possible through support from the
Royal Canadian Legion, Pacific Command. It is one of several positions funded
by the Legion within the Family Practice Dept.
Individuals wanting to learn more about the geriatrics research program are
invited to contact Brett at (604) 875-4111 (ext. 61438), or by e-mail to pbrett@unixg.ubc.ca.
