Current Perspectives on Centenarians: Introduction to Lifespan and Healthspan

About

Dr. Kheirbek is a Professor of Medicine and the Inaugural Division Head of Gerontology Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore Maryland. She holds board certification in Internal Medicine Geriatric and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She is an expert in quality improvement program development and its implementation in older adults. Dr. Kheirbeks research portfolio includes numerous large-scale projects with a particular focus on the fastest-growing segment of the global population - the oldest of the old. Her interest in centenarians as expert survivors was developed after years of caring for a 108-year-old patient. She has trained scores of learners on age appropriate person-centered care emphasizing the practice of medicine with empathy reflection and professionalism. Fueled by keen observation and natural curiosity Dr. Kheirbek is a writer whose work has been featured in the Baltimore Sun New York TimesWashington Post and US World and News Report.Dr. Llorente is Professor of Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine and the Deputy Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Patient Care Services in the US Department of Veterans Affairs. She obtained her medical degree from the J. Hillis Miller College of Medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville Florida and completed her psychiatry residency training at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami. She is Board certified in general psychiatry geriatric psychiatry and addiction medicine.  She has participated in numerous research studies including potential treatments for Alzheimers disease examining models of mental health services delivery for geriatric patients and screening for substance use disorders among older adults.  Dr. Llorente aims to expand the knowledge base on the characteristics and factors that contribute to quality of life and centenarians offer a unique opportunity to examine those characteristics and factors.