Our collaborating center fosters research to improve the health of older populations by training scholars with a cross-cultural, multidisciplinary perspective and by establishing collaborations with institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
UTMB Sealy Center on Aging World Health Organization Collaborating Centre in Aging and Health
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-0177
Directions and Maps
Phone: (409) 747-0008
Email: pahowho.aging@utmb.edu
As a designated World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, we support the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) through the implementation of research and clinical training in public health, geriatrics, and gerontology, following the organization’s guidelines and responding to its needs. Our experts provide technical guidance to PAHO/WHO Member States using population data, best-practice tools, and research collaborations. As one of the few centers focused on aging and geriatrics in the Region of the Americas, we stand out for our emphasis on Latin American and population-based research. With our center's recent redesignation, we continue contributing to the global efforts under the United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging (2021-2030) strategy.
We are pleased to announce that Norma A. Pérez Raifaisen, MD, DrPH, CPC, will serve as Director of the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Collaborating Center on Aging and Health at the UTMB Sealy Center on Aging, effective May 1. Dr. Pérez Raifaisen is Assistant Dean, Student Affairs, John Sealy School of Medicine and PI, Center of Excellence for Professional Advancement and Research.
As a Research Scholar, Dr. Eduardo Cabrero leverages his clinical background (MBBS) and graduate training in Health Care Management and Policy (MSc and Ph.D.) to conduct research in aging and cognitive health. His research integrates large-scale national survey data, including from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), to address critical issues related to cognitive impairment, cognitive decline, and dementia. He collaborates with Dr. Brian Downer.
A recent study by Huey-Ming Tzeng, PhD, and co-authors at UTMB Health found that receiving a Medicare annual wellness visit (AWV) was associated with greater recognition of mild cognitive impairment in older adults. "This study suggests that the Medicare AWV health policy may increase mild cognitive impairment identification, prompting more specialized care," Tzeng and colleagues said. "Early recognition of cognitive impairment is key to optimal dementia care," the researchers noted. "Patient access to dementia assessment often limits timely diagnosis of cognitive impairment."
Dr. Neil Mehta and Dr. Huiwen Xu, former UTMB Pepper Center Scholars, received new external research funding in aging in 2024. Dr. Mehta was awarded a five-year NIH/NIA grant to study immigrant mortality trends in the U.S., while Dr. Xu received a four-year NIH/NIA grant to examine racial and ethnic disparities in Alzheimer’s care within nursing homes. Both researchers continue to make significant contributions to the field of aging and health.
Join us for the next Texas RCMAR presentation on Jan 28, 2025. "Mixed-Methods Research: Strategically Integrating Words and Numerical Data to Gain a Richer Understanding," is presented by Monique R. Pappadis, MEd, PhD, at 3 PM via zoom.
The Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) program encourages medical students, particularly budding researchers, to consider a career in academic geriatrics by awarding short-term scholarships. Applications are due February 21, 2025.
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigators Lecture on January 21, 2025, "Alterations in the GH/IGF-1 Axis and Gut Microbiome After Traumatic Brain Injury by Randall J. Urban, MD," presented by Randall J. Urban, MD. Visit the Pepper Investigator's Lecture page to view the video.
A heartfelt thank you to all who participated in the 2024 Medical Students Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) program. Meet the MSTAR Scholars and learn about their projects.
Join us for the Data Management and Analysis Core (DMAC) for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas (CERCIT) Seminar Series: "HIV & Cancer - Utilizing Large Population Databases to Address Outcome Disparities," presented by Elizabeth Chiao, MD, PhD.
Dr. Graves has been named the FY25 recipient of the prestigious Beverly and F.A. (Andy) Odom Endowment for Nursing Research Award. This distinguished award will support her Pepper Scholar research project, which focuses on advanced aging in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The Beverly and Andy Odom Endowment for Nursing Research provides essential funding to outstanding faculty in the School of Nursing, fostering innovative research that advances the field of nursing.
Last updated October 2024 • RMG
