At the 3rd annual VA/UCF Interdisciplinary Geriatric Seminar, held on Saturday, Sept. 10, five gerontology experts from the Orlando VA Medical Center donated their time to share their successful multidisciplinary approach to managing the social, psychological, cognitive and biological aspects of aging. This team approach, which is considered a best practice but rarely implemented in the U.S., not only manages chronic conditions but also supports functional abilities of older patients. The VA interdisciplinary care team includes gerontology physicians, palliative care physicians, psychology nurse practitioner, pharmacist and wound care specialist.

“Taking a multidisciplinary approach to provide care for the elderly patient as a whole, instead of individual conditions, is incredibly valuable in helping older patients age successfully,” said Dr. Adam Golden, associate chief of staff, geriatrics and extended care at the Orlando VA Medical Center and one of the seminar’s speakers. “This partnership between the VA and UCF allows us the opportunity to educate future care providers on the right approach to caring for their elderly patients.”

This year’s seminar stressed the importance of a team approach to geriatric care, while each member of the VA’s care team shared best practices from their area of expertise. Topics included transitional care for older adults, wound management in geriatric populations, health and wellness interventions, diet and genes, preventing a prescription cascade, and geriatric mental health issues of dementia, depression and delirium. The experts from the Orlando VA Medical Center who presented were:

“Since Florida is home to a disproportionate number of elderly, many of whom are also veterans, it is certain that our nurse practitioner graduates will be caring for elderly patients across the state,” said Angela Ritten, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, assistant professor and one of the coordinators for the seminar. “Furthermore, health care is shifting from providing care as individual providers to working together as interdisciplinary teams. By providing seminars such as these, our students can learn first-hand how an organization like the VA is implementing the best practice of interdisciplinary care to later incorporate in their own practice to provide the best, optimal patient care.”

Thirty-four nurse practitioner students, enrolled in the Family and tracks, attended this year’s seminar.

“Dr. Ritten truly goes above and beyond to provide compassionate care to our patients, to assist fellow volunteers, and to inspire her students’ passion for learning and caring for others,” says Martha Mannarino, vice president of communications and development at Shepherd’s Hope, Inc. “She, like all of our volunteers, comes here quietly, humbly and out of the goodness of her heart to give back to the community. Our organization is incredibly thankful for her commitment to both our patients and her students, and we were honored to surprise her with the award.”

Ritten has been volunteering weekly since 2010 with , a faith-based organization of volunteers that provides access to free health care for thousands of uninsured men, women and children. She also engages her nurse practitioner students in the organization to enhance their understanding of health care disparities in the community and learn from the medically underserved. The topic is not only one she’s passionate about, but one she is currently exploring further as an area of funded research.

“Using my skills as a nurse practitioner to deliver medical care to those who cannot afford it is just the right thing to do,” says Ritten. “Shepherd’s Hope is vital to Central Florida, providing individuals with the opportunity to achieve health and for some, preserve life. It is an honor for me to be part of the generous, talented team of volunteers and staff who come together to make a difference for individuals and ultimately our entire community.”

Shepherd’s Hope presented Ritten with the Volunteer of the Year award at the organization’s annual Call to Hope Fundraising Breakfast on April 9, 2015. In 2014, Shepherd’s Hope had more than 1,800 volunteers dedicate over 38,310 hours totaling more than $2.1 million of in-kind volunteer hours at its five health centers.

Angela Ritten, a faculty member in the College of Nursing, who was the recipient of a Certificate of Merit in the category of Faculty New Advisor.

Jesse Sunski, coordinator of Freshman Explorations in First Year Advising and Explorations, who was honored as an outstanding new advisor in the category of New Advisor-Primary Role.

Kristen Schellhase, director of the Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training program and interim director of the Health Professions department, who received a Certificate of Merit in the category of faculty advisor.

Layla Archer, assistant director of Undergraduate Student Services in the College of Health & Public Affairs, who was recognized as a top advisor in the category for employees whose primary role is advising.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science, which earned a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Program for their Academic Alert program.