EPGS Upcoming Events
EPGS Upcoming Events
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 | Via ZOOM
This program explores the Philadelphia Model, an integrated approach to addressing behavioral health needs within long-term care settings. The City of Philadelphia recognized that many individuals who suffered from chronic mental health issues were in need of a safe discharge plan from acute care hospitals; however, area skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) lacked sufficient supports for their staff to adequately care for these individuals. Participants will learn how the City of Philadelphia selected SNFs, worked with behavioral specialists and opened specifically designed units within existing SNFs to meet the needs of residents, staff and the community. Participants will also determine how this model can be applied in other communities.
Recommended Programs
Past Programs
The Spring Program of the EPGS offers an opportunity for providers to better understand the challenges of dealing with older persons who are using a controlled substance and gain insight into possible ways of working with and managing these cases. Our three speakers represent diversity in the type of controlled substance involved, the venue in which the encounter occurs, and three different professional perspectives.
Introduction of topic and speakers: Allen Glicksman, PhD, FCPP-Director of Research, EPGS
The Older Person in the Emergency Department and Controlled Substances
Ari B. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D. FCPP
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Medical Ethics, and Health Policy
Senior Fellow, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics
University of Pennsylvania
Cannabis Use and Cautions in Older Adults
Andrew M. Peterson, PharmD, PhD, FCPP
John Wyeth Dean Emeritus
Professor of Pharmacy
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Saint Joseph's University
Opioid Use Disorder in Persons with Multiple Co-Morbid Conditions
Ashley Z. Ritter, PhD, MSHP, APRN FCPP
Assistant Professor
Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing
EPGS's 2025 Annual Program
The Impact of Medicare/Medicaid Cuts and Other Regulatory Changes on Older Pennsylvanians
Guest Speakers
• Jason Kavulich, Secretary of Aging
• Tom Snedden, Director, Bureau of Pharmaceutical Assistance
Award presentation to include:
President's Award - Jason Kavulich, PA Secretary of Aging
Grace Harrison, NHA Award - Dyann Roth CEO, Inglis House
Barbara Bell, MD Award - Steven M. Handler, MD, University of Pittsburgh
Nancy Tatem , RN Award - Carol Siegler, RN MSN, Meadowood Senior Living
Sandy Pfeffer Award, Esquire Advocacy - Tom Snedden, Director of Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Chronic Disease and Chronic Wounds: Is There a Relationship?
Presenter: Jeanine Maguire, PhD, MPT, CWS
Dr. Maguire has extensive experience in wound and skin care, including 19 years as Vice-President of Clinical Operations for Skin Health and Wound Management Services for Genesis HealthCare.
She is currently president of the Post-Acute Wound and Skin Integrity Council as well as numerous organizations which focus on the promotion of knowledge in the field of chronic wound care management and technology to enhance healing.
EPGS’s Annual Winter Program
The Portrayal of Older Adults in the Media
How are older adults portrayed in the press? What is the impact of negative articles about older adults on the health professionals who care for these individuals?
Join us for a lively panel discussion about the impact of the portrayal of older adults in the press.
Program Agenda
Introduction - Ageism Update: Michelle Mathes, JD
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Dan Gorenstein, moderator of the podcast “Tradeoffs “
Panelists:
* Harold Brubaker, Philadelphia Inquirer journalist
* Stacey Burling, freelance health and science writer
EPGS would like to offer a special word of appreciation to all of our speakers and sponsoring organizations for their participation in EPGS’s 31st Annual Research Night held at the The College of Physicians of Philadelphia! A special evening focused on research and care of older adults that was truly representative of the missions of EPGS and The College.
And a special thanks to all of our presenters, each who contribute to the care of our older adults helping to shape the future of medicine and healthcare across care settings and in ways that follow the patient journey.
EPGS also appreciates the support of St. Luke's University Health Network, Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System-Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy - Industry & Education Fellowship Program, and Temple University Hospital.
Photo Left to Right:
Abdallah Elbready, Wail Alsafi, MD, Natasha Khalid, MD, Eva Szymanski, MD, Julianna RIcco,Ana Conch Chagine, MD, MD, Phuong Pham, MD, Parampreet Kaur, MD
Honorable Mention:
Natasha Khalid, MD (Wrights Center)
Case study SLE
Wail Alsafi, MD (Wrights Center)
Case Study NPH
Anila Hussain, MD (Temple University)
Fall Risk in PCP
Non-physician Award:
Abdallah Elbready (St. Joseph's University)
Medical Marijuana attitudes of providers
WINNERS
First Prize: Eva P. Szymanski, MD (Penn)
Implementation of a Geriatric Assessment SmartPhrase
Second Prize: Rebecca Russell, MD, Eva P. Syzmanski, MD, Matthew Van Dongen, MD and Julianna C. Ricco, MD (Penn)
Improving rates of routine vaccinations at a VA Community Living Center
Third Prize: Pham Phuong, MD, Ana V. Concha Chagime, MD, Allicia Michaud, MD, Amaravani Mandalapu, MD and Parampreet Kaur, MD (St. Luke's University Health Network)
Multicomponent educational intervention program in reducing physical restraint use in older hospitalized patients
Research Night Event Summary
EPGS Spring Program
Ukraine: Impact of War on Aging
Click the button below to view the presentation Slides
The Care and Treatment of Individuals with Substance Use Disorder: Is the Skilled Nursing Facility the Appropriate Setting for Care?
On-Demand Recording from our April 12th Spring Program.
Speakers include:
Lesa G. Yawn, PhD, JD
Lori Walsh
James Christopher Patterson, BSW, MSW
Sara Ashley Edwards, MHA, LSW
MEDICAL CANNABIS: What We Know, What Our Patients Know and How to Fill the Gap
On-Demand Recording
This video is a recorded version from our fall educational program that took place on October 20, 2021.
PROGRAM GOALS: Participants will be able to
Recognize the known benefits and risks of cannabis for older adults
Identify the legal risks of cannabis use in long-term care facilities
Distinguish between pitfalls in employment policies and the potential impact of employees who utilize medical cannabis
Identify the common misconceptions of the older adults regarding the safety and efficacy of cannabis
Determine the best approach to elicit a discussion around medical cannabis with older adults
Lessons Learned from COVID-19: Our Patients, Our Practices & Ourselves
(On-Demand Recording)
Please check out our on-demand recording of our past 12/7 program. This video includes the voices of a wide array of geriatric professionals as we use our shared experiences to move forward through the pandemic.