Justin received a Mulholland award this spring for outstanding teaching as a geriatrics fellow. The award is voted on by UVA internal medicine residents, and was presented by Dr. Susan Kirk at Grand Rounds in June.
I grew up in East Tennessee, home to beautiful mountains and rivers. Coming to the Shenandoah was a natural transition. I visited UVA once in high school and never looked back, pursuing my undergraduate studies here in English literature, and eventually returning for medical school.
My family and I spent three years in Asheville, North Carolina, where I completed a residency in family medicine at the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). We were delighted to return to Charlottesville for my training in geriatric medicine. My wife, Kathryn, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine here at UVA. We have two young daughters, Eliza Belle and Nora.
Why research? Why geriatrics?
Although I was late deciding to pursue medicine, once I decided, I knew that primary care would be my path. I have always been particularly interested in the intersection between public health and primary care, and geriatrics today finds itself squarely at this intersection.
For me, geriatric practice in many ways epitomizes the challenges and opportunities facing American healthcare today. For one, clinical geriatrics focuses on “whole person” care, with an eye to physical and cognitive function and syndromes, which can’t be effectively addressed piecemeal. Also, geriatricians are working toward the broader goal of promoting healthy aging for individuals and communities, in a context of growing demographic pressures. It’s an exciting time to be a geriatrician, and a privilege to participate in the care of older adults.
Why UVA?
UVa is known for its collegial culture, and my fellowship experience has confirmed that. Working with committed faculty in a variety of clinical areas has provided me with a range of training experiences in caring for older adults with various stages of independence. My fellowship has also given me opportunities to continue my research in the medical humanities and in primary care health policy.
Justin with his wife Kathryn (an MD in UVA’s Emergency Dept.) and girls Eliza Belle and Nora, hiking in the Blue Ridge.
Proudest achievement outside the professional realm?
My family has been a tremendous source of joy over the years. My wife entered the medical profession before I did, so our training was staggered over many years. Our extended families have been wonderfully supportive during this time. We are fortunate to have many family members living close by, and large dinner gatherings are a frequent highlight.
What are you usually doing in your spare time?
We love the outdoors, and try to get out on hikes or walks as often as possible. When weather and season permit, we head out to area farms and orchards to pick apples, strawberries, and other local fare. When not chasing our kids around, I enjoy reading in the medical humanities and playing board games — Settlers of Catan is my favorite.
What’s one thing you always have in your fridge?
Cheese. I’ve always been a cheese eater; I even did a science project on cheese-making in high school! My youngest daughter seems to have inherited this interest, so now the fridge is doubly stocked.
Where did you go on your last vacation?
I’m a big fan of America’s national forests. Our oldest daughter has a National Forest “passport” book where she can check off each place she visits. Though still just an idea rather than a plan, I hope over the next couple of years to take a family trip to Olympic National Forest.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Play the mandolin. But I’m unfortunately the least musically talented of our family.
Words to live by?
“Groovy stuff.” My lexicon never left the 80s.
What about you would surprise us?
Although I don’t get to use it much in Charlottesville, I speak Haitian Creole, which I learned living and working in central Haiti for two years after my undergraduate education.
Nou bezwen yon dokte mis touswit!
(We need a doctor right now!)
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