Leading the Way in Geriatric Education and Training

Janice Knebl, D.O., M.B.A., is chief of the Division of Geriatrics, director of the Gerontology Assessment and Planning Program, and professor of Internal Medicine for the University of North Texas Health Science Center. She is also the Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians Endowed Chair in Clinical Geriatrics and the project director for the prestigious Reynolds' Geriatric Education and Training in Texas (GET-IT) Program. Dr. Knebl earned her Doctor of Osteopathy degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and her M.B.A. from Texas Christian University. She has been named a Top Doc by Fort Worth, Texas magazine and is the medical director for the James L. West Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Knebl, who has been the geriatrics chief for 19 years, is Board certified in Internal Medicine and has a Certificate for Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine. She is leading a nationally recognized effort to train the next generation of America's geriatric physicians. These professionals ultimately will provide quality medical care to seniors in Fort Worth, and across the state and the nation.

The Healthy Aging Council is working with Dr. Knebl and her team to increase awareness about the need for training and graduating new physicians equipped to effectively work with the unique health care needs of older adults. By 2030, more than 33,000 geriatricians will be needed, but only about 8,800 will be available. This challenge captured the attention of the Healthy Aging Council, who is committed to working with Fort Worth citizens, physicians, and administrators to support our city's medical community and create additional medical resources for senior citizens.

Innovative Solutions for Fort Worth and the World
Dr. Knebl's solution incorporates clinical geriatric training throughout the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine's academic curriculum. Thanks to her strong commitment and insistence that our older adults deserve the best treatment possible, every medical student is required to complete a rotation during their education in the area of geriatrics. One of the innovative programs created by Knebl is the S.A.G.E. Program (Seniors Assisting in Geriatric Education). This program provides medical students with the opportunity to gain enhanced sensitivity to the unique needs of elders through direct interaction with a senior mentor.

Every Graduating Physician - Trained in Geriatrics
Many of Dr. Knebl's graduating physicians are likely to stay in Fort Worth because of their community ties and the city's excellent quality of life. Dr. Knebl's commitment is:

• To provide compassionate care by physicians who understand the unique medical, social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of older adults;
• To ensure that our elders receive the best care, from the latest medical breakthroughs to the loving touch of professionals who respect and value their longevity;
• To encourage awareness and sensitivity to the concerns of family members when an older loved one is ill.

The Healthy Aging Council is excited to work with Dr. Knebl and salutes her efforts to improve the quality of life for seniors. Knebl has commented,

"I am privileged to be able to work with Fort Worth's seniors as their physician, advocate and aging expert. During the past 20 years, I have learned as much from them, their caregivers and families as I have shared with them. I want UNTHSC's Geriatrics Program to provide the highest quality care for our seniors. And ultimately, we will find a cure for this terrible disease. Our seniors deserve nothing less."