Center for Geriatric Surgery

Geriatric Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program

Our Vision

Older adult surgical patients and their families receive the best possible clinical care.

Our Mission

To provide high-quality perioperative care tailored to the needs of older adult patients through an innovative, interdisciplinary approach establishing and integrating evidence-based processes throughout all phases of surgical care.

Leadership

Zara Cooper, MD, MSc

Director and Founder, Center for Geriatric Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Kessler Director, Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Trauma Surgeon, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School

See Entire Profile See Zara Cooper, MD Profile

Rachelle Bernacki, MD, MS

Director of Care Transformation and Postoperative Services

See Entire Profile See Rachelle Bernacki, MD Profile

Lynne O’Mara, MBA, MPAS, PA-C

Clinical Program Manager

Amy Bulger, RN, MPH, GERO-BC, CPHQ

Director of Geriatrics Operations

Our Team

Houman Javedan, MD, Geriatrician
Samir Tulebaev, MD, Geriatrician
Angela Bader, MD, MPH, Preoperative Anesthesiologist
Emma Reidy, MPH, Program Manager
Christina Sheu, BA, Data Coordinator
Awais Alam, MD, Geriatrician

Professional Resources

Harvard Medical School PERIOPERATIVE CARE OF THE OLDER ADULT Live Virtual Course

May 22-23, 2025

ABOUT THIS COURSE

This course will provide in-depth training for surgeons, Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), nurses, and surgical trainees on geriatric syndromes and the 4 pillars of Age-Friendly Health Systems (Medication, Mobility, what Matters, and Mentation) as well as multi-complexity. Speakers will address the unique needs of the growing geriatric patient population and how to navigate hazards of hospitalization such as delirium, falls, infections, loss of function, and caregiver strain to improve outcomes. These issues are particularly relevant in surgery and trauma where mortality, complications, and other adverse outcomes are consistently higher for older patients than their younger counterparts.

TOPICS INCLUDE

Delirium and Dementia
Rehab, Prehab, and Falls
Frailty in Older Surgical Patients
Serious Illness Conversations
Supporting Caregivers/Surrogates
Anesthesia and Pain Management
Polypharmacy and Deprescribing
Perioperative Evaluations
And more!

INTENDED AUDIENCE

Specialty Physicians
Primary Care Physicians
Physician Assistants
Nurses
Nurse Practitioners

CREDITS

Physicians: 12.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™; 8.25 Risk Management; 2.25 Opioid and Pain Management
Physician Assistants: 12.75 AAPA Category 1 Credits
Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses: 12.75 Contact Hours; 3.00 are eligible for Pharmacology Credit

Questions?
Email CEPrograms@hms.harvard.edu.

More information and registration details can be found on the HMS course page.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please email us at bwhcgs@mgb.org