Geriatric Medicine Board
The Specialty Boards and Advisory Committees aim to maintain a composition that reflects the diversity and complexity of the physician and patient populations that certification serves. They include both practicing physician members and public members representing interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers.
Dr. Sehgal is a nationally recognized Geriatric Medicine clinician-educator, developer of innovative educational programming and leader of interprofessional teams. She currently serves as the Cleveland Clinic’s Vice Chief of Education for the Florida Market after being the Program Director for the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic Florida for the past five years. She is a Clinical Affiliate Professor at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Schmidt College of Medicine and is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine in Family Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. She previously served as a member of the ABIM Geriatric Medicine Board.
In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Sehgal is Associate Editor for the Education and Training Section of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and past Chair of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Teachers’ Section. She previously served as Teaching and Learning Lead for Aquifer Geriatrics, the AGS national online curriculum, where she supported the development of innovative Geriatric Medicine education across the country.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Sehgal has been a principal and co-investigator on multiple grant-funded projects totaling more than $5 million. In 2010, she was awarded a prestigious Geriatric Academic Career Award from the U.S. Bureau of Health Professions. Dr. Sehgal is a champion of providing person-centered care ensuring the best quality of life for her older adult patients while maintaining their safety and independence. Dr. Sehgal attended college and medical school at the University of South Alabama. She completed her residency at Tallahassee Memorial's Family Medicine Residency Program, her geriatric medicine fellowship at the University of Cincinnati and faculty development fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
As of April 2025, Dr. Sehgal reported the following external relationships:
Work as an author or editor for the following company, with compensation as listed:
- Wiley-Blackwell, receiving compensation as Section Editor of The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Dr. Sehgal is a nationally recognized Geriatric Medicine clinician-educator, developer of innovative educational programming and leader of interprofessional teams. She currently serves as the Cleveland Clinic’s Vice Chief of Education for the Florida Market after being the Program Director for the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic Florida for the past five years. She is a Clinical Affiliate Professor at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Schmidt College of Medicine and is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine in Family Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. She previously served as a member of the ABIM Geriatric Medicine Board.
In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Sehgal is Associate Editor for the Education and Training Section of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and past Chair of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Teachers’ Section. She previously served as Teaching and Learning Lead for Aquifer Geriatrics, the AGS national online curriculum, where she supported the development of innovative Geriatric Medicine education across the country.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Sehgal has been a principal and co-investigator on multiple grant-funded projects totaling more than $5 million. In 2010, she was awarded a prestigious Geriatric Academic Career Award from the U.S. Bureau of Health Professions. Dr. Sehgal is a champion of providing person-centered care ensuring the best quality of life for her older adult patients while maintaining their safety and independence. Dr. Sehgal attended college and medical school at the University of South Alabama. She completed her residency at Tallahassee Memorial's Family Medicine Residency Program, her geriatric medicine fellowship at the University of Cincinnati and faculty development fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
As of April 2025, Dr. Sehgal reported the following external relationships:
Work as an author or editor for the following company, with compensation as listed:
- Wiley-Blackwell, receiving compensation as Section Editor of The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Dr. Garfield is an Assistant Professor of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Colorado, where he also serves as the Associate Program Director of the Geriatric Fellowship. He is ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Garfield also serves on the ABIM Geriatric Medicine Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA®) Approval Committee.
Dr. Garfield previously served as a primary care physician in a Pennsylvania PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and has contributed significantly to the University of North Texas Health Science Center and the University of Colorado. Throughout his career, Dr. Garfield has held esteemed positions on his local county medical society board and statewide medical association councils. He is passionate about educating undergraduate and graduate medical learners on financial literacy and is dedicated to promoting healthy aging. He also serves on the Texas state board for the National Financial Education Council, where he advocates for improved financial literacy resources and education for healthcare professionals. His professional interests extend to promoting healthy aging for all adults, particularly older adults, through his personal blog.
Dr. Garfield earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by a residency at Wake Forest University and a fellowship in geriatric medicine at the University of Colorado.
As of November 2024, Dr. Garfield reported no ongoing external relationships.
Dr. Garfield is an Assistant Professor of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Colorado, where he also serves as the Associate Program Director of the Geriatric Fellowship. He is ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Garfield also serves on the ABIM Geriatric Medicine Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA®) Approval Committee.
Dr. Garfield previously served as a primary care physician in a Pennsylvania PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and has contributed significantly to the University of North Texas Health Science Center and the University of Colorado. Throughout his career, Dr. Garfield has held esteemed positions on his local county medical society board and statewide medical association councils. He is passionate about educating undergraduate and graduate medical learners on financial literacy and is dedicated to promoting healthy aging. He also serves on the Texas state board for the National Financial Education Council, where he advocates for improved financial literacy resources and education for healthcare professionals. His professional interests extend to promoting healthy aging for all adults, particularly older adults, through his personal blog.
Dr. Garfield earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by a residency at Wake Forest University and a fellowship in geriatric medicine at the University of Colorado.
As of November 2024, Dr. Garfield reported no ongoing external relationships.
Dr. Kalender-Rich is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She is ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She also serves as the Thread Content Leader for the Geriatrics Curriculum for the medical school and on the Clinical Competency Committees for training programs in internal medicine, geriatric medicine and hospice and palliative medicine.
Dr. Kalender-Rich also sits on the Exam Item Review Committee which reviews biometrics and edits all exam items for the medical school. Her clinical practice is primarily in skilled nursing facilities with a focus on transitions of care and systems-based care of frail and high-risk patients. She also serves as the Post-Acute Medical Director for Transitions of Care for the University of Kansas Health System, which partners with community organizations from all levels of post-acute care to maximize quality care for all patients as they move through the healthcare system.
As of September 2024, Dr. Kalender-Rich reported no ongoing external relationships.
Dr. Kalender-Rich is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She is ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She also serves as the Thread Content Leader for the Geriatrics Curriculum for the medical school and on the Clinical Competency Committees for training programs in internal medicine, geriatric medicine and hospice and palliative medicine.
Dr. Kalender-Rich also sits on the Exam Item Review Committee which reviews biometrics and edits all exam items for the medical school. Her clinical practice is primarily in skilled nursing facilities with a focus on transitions of care and systems-based care of frail and high-risk patients. She also serves as the Post-Acute Medical Director for Transitions of Care for the University of Kansas Health System, which partners with community organizations from all levels of post-acute care to maximize quality care for all patients as they move through the healthcare system.
As of September 2024, Dr. Kalender-Rich reported no ongoing external relationships.
Dr. Linnebur is a Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Since 2001, Dr. Linnebur has provided clinical pharmacy services in geriatrics at the University of Colorado Hospital Seniors Clinic, where she also precepts pharmacy students and residents. Her research and clinical areas of interest include transitions of care, cardiovascular disease, health promotion, osteoporosis, vitamin D, dementia and urologic disorders. She is an active member of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) where she serves on the Expert Panel for the AGS Updated Beers Criteria and is the current Board Chair and past President. Dr. Linnebur is also a member of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties Geriatric Specialty Council.
Dr. Linnebur graduated with her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Kansas with highest distinction. She completed a PGY1 residency at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Denver and a PGY2 primary care residency at the University of Colorado.
As of October 2024, Dr. Linnebur reported the following external relationships:
Work as an author or editor for the following company, with compensation as listed:
- The Merck Manuals, receiving compensation for updating a book chapter.
- Springer, receiving compensation as an editor for Geriatric Medicine, A Person-Centered Evidence Based Approach.
Dr. Linnebur serves in significant roles with the following organizations, receiving reimbursement or compensation as listed:
- The American Geriatrics Society (AGS), board member; AGS Beers Criteria Panel, member, receiving reimbursement for travel expenses and honoraria.
- Colorado Access, P&T committee member, receiving honoraria.
- CVS Health, P&T committee member, receiving honoraria.
Dr. Linnebur has also served as an expert witness for various law firms on an as-needed basis.
Dr. Linnebur is a Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Since 2001, Dr. Linnebur has provided clinical pharmacy services in geriatrics at the University of Colorado Hospital Seniors Clinic, where she also precepts pharmacy students and residents. Her research and clinical areas of interest include transitions of care, cardiovascular disease, health promotion, osteoporosis, vitamin D, dementia and urologic disorders. She is an active member of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) where she serves on the Expert Panel for the AGS Updated Beers Criteria and is the current Board Chair and past President. Dr. Linnebur is also a member of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties Geriatric Specialty Council.
Dr. Linnebur graduated with her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Kansas with highest distinction. She completed a PGY1 residency at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Denver and a PGY2 primary care residency at the University of Colorado.
As of October 2024, Dr. Linnebur reported the following external relationships:
Work as an author or editor for the following company, with compensation as listed:
- The Merck Manuals, receiving compensation for updating a book chapter.
- Springer, receiving compensation as an editor for Geriatric Medicine, A Person-Centered Evidence Based Approach.
Dr. Linnebur serves in significant roles with the following organizations, receiving reimbursement or compensation as listed:
- The American Geriatrics Society (AGS), board member; AGS Beers Criteria Panel, member, receiving reimbursement for travel expenses and honoraria.
- Colorado Access, P&T committee member, receiving honoraria.
- CVS Health, P&T committee member, receiving honoraria.
Dr. Linnebur has also served as an expert witness for various law firms on an as-needed basis.
Dr. McKoy, ABIM Board Certified in Geriatric Medicine, is a Professor of Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Medical Education at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. She holds a joint appointment in the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University where she serves as the Assistant Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Her primary research focus relates to medical education (wellness and burnout among trainees) and cancer and aging, including cancer survivorship, cancer pharmacoeconomics, comparative effectiveness analyses, HIV and cancer, and adverse drug reactions in older individuals living with cancer. She is the author/coauthor of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and several book chapters.
Dr. McKoy has a strong interest in health policy, geriatric oncology, and legal issues impacting older adults and currently serves as a member of Older Adult Oncology Panel of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and as a member of the Illinois Department on Aging Older Adult Services Advisory Committee. She consults on older adults with various geriatric syndromes in the acute, ambulatory and long-term care settings. Dr. McKoy is the Program Director for the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University and teaches on the Inpatient Medicine Teaching Service. Notably, she has received multiple awards for her teaching and mentorship.
Dr. McKoy received her medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield and pursued post-graduate training in general surgery and internal medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago. She completed her fellowship training in geriatrics at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University.
As of September 2024, Dr. McKoy reported no ongoing external relationships.
Dr. McKoy, ABIM Board Certified in Geriatric Medicine, is a Professor of Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Medical Education at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. She holds a joint appointment in the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University where she serves as the Assistant Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Her primary research focus relates to medical education (wellness and burnout among trainees) and cancer and aging, including cancer survivorship, cancer pharmacoeconomics, comparative effectiveness analyses, HIV and cancer, and adverse drug reactions in older individuals living with cancer. She is the author/coauthor of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and several book chapters.
Dr. McKoy has a strong interest in health policy, geriatric oncology, and legal issues impacting older adults and currently serves as a member of Older Adult Oncology Panel of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and as a member of the Illinois Department on Aging Older Adult Services Advisory Committee. She consults on older adults with various geriatric syndromes in the acute, ambulatory and long-term care settings. Dr. McKoy is the Program Director for the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University and teaches on the Inpatient Medicine Teaching Service. Notably, she has received multiple awards for her teaching and mentorship.
Dr. McKoy received her medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield and pursued post-graduate training in general surgery and internal medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago. She completed her fellowship training in geriatrics at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University.
As of September 2024, Dr. McKoy reported no ongoing external relationships.
Dr. Roker is a gerontologist and senior care consultant. She has extensive experience working with older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers. Dr. Roker currently owns Commanding Your Care, a senior care consulting company that offers patient advocacy and personalized care management services. She is also an independent contractor for the 17th Judicial Circuit Courts (Broward County) of Florida where she serves as a guardianship examining committee member. During this role, she evaluates individuals to determine incapacity related to guardianship.
Prior to transitioning to gerontology, Dr. Roker completed a 24-year career in law enforcement where she worked at the county and federal levels. She also taught undergraduate courses in gerontology, including gerontological case management, elder abuse and neglect, death and dying, and business management in an aging society. Dr. Roker has served on various nonprofit boards with a focus on advocacy for older adults and underserved communities.
Dr. Roker completed her undergraduate studies at Florida International University. She completed graduate programs at Saint Leo University (Master of Business Administration) and the University of South Florida (Doctor of Philosophy in Aging Science, Master of Gerontology and Graduate Certificate in Evaluation). Dr. Roker also earned a Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Care Management from the University of Florida and an Executive Certificate in Home Modification from the School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California.
As of July 2025, Dr. Roker reported no ongoing external relationships.
Dr. Roker is a gerontologist and senior care consultant. She has extensive experience working with older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers. Dr. Roker currently owns Commanding Your Care, a senior care consulting company that offers patient advocacy and personalized care management services. She is also an independent contractor for the 17th Judicial Circuit Courts (Broward County) of Florida where she serves as a guardianship examining committee member. During this role, she evaluates individuals to determine incapacity related to guardianship.
Prior to transitioning to gerontology, Dr. Roker completed a 24-year career in law enforcement where she worked at the county and federal levels. She also taught undergraduate courses in gerontology, including gerontological case management, elder abuse and neglect, death and dying, and business management in an aging society. Dr. Roker has served on various nonprofit boards with a focus on advocacy for older adults and underserved communities.
Dr. Roker completed her undergraduate studies at Florida International University. She completed graduate programs at Saint Leo University (Master of Business Administration) and the University of South Florida (Doctor of Philosophy in Aging Science, Master of Gerontology and Graduate Certificate in Evaluation). Dr. Roker also earned a Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Care Management from the University of Florida and an Executive Certificate in Home Modification from the School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California.
As of July 2025, Dr. Roker reported no ongoing external relationships.
Dr. Ruiz is the Medical Director, Geriatric Medicine, and core faculty of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood, Florida. He is also a Clinical Affiliate Professor of Geriatric Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Ruiz is a fellowship-trained geriatrician, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. He previously served as chair of the ABIM Geriatric Medicine Board.
He specializes in the care of older adults, providing routine medical care and assistance with aging frailty, falls and mobility problems, polypharmacy, mild cognitive impairment and dementia. His research interests include the use of stem cell therapies for aging frailty and Alzheimer’s disease, the study of risk factors for frailty among older adults, dementia prevention and the development and implementation of care models that aim to reduce the burden of frailty and dementia in older adults.
Dr. Ruiz has authored several peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in the fields of aging, longevity and geriatric medicine.
As of September 2024, Dr. Ruiz reported no ongoing external relationships.
Dr. Ruiz is the Medical Director, Geriatric Medicine, and core faculty of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood, Florida. He is also a Clinical Affiliate Professor of Geriatric Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Ruiz is a fellowship-trained geriatrician, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. He previously served as chair of the ABIM Geriatric Medicine Board.
He specializes in the care of older adults, providing routine medical care and assistance with aging frailty, falls and mobility problems, polypharmacy, mild cognitive impairment and dementia. His research interests include the use of stem cell therapies for aging frailty and Alzheimer’s disease, the study of risk factors for frailty among older adults, dementia prevention and the development and implementation of care models that aim to reduce the burden of frailty and dementia in older adults.
Dr. Ruiz has authored several peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in the fields of aging, longevity and geriatric medicine.
As of September 2024, Dr. Ruiz reported no ongoing external relationships.
Dr. Thurairajah is ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine with over 25 years of clinical experience in geriatric, palliative and long-term care. He serves as the Medical Director of Fallon Health Weinberg-PACE in Buffalo, New York, where he leads interdisciplinary teams to optimize health outcomes for medically complex older adults with a strong focus on aging in place and reducing institutionalization.
Throughout his career, he has led multiple quality improvement initiatives, implemented medication optimization protocols and driven innovations in transitional care, utilization management and social determinant-based interventions. His leadership roles extend across managed long-term care programs, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies.
Dr. Thurairajah is a member of the National PACE Association and the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. He is passionate about medical education, having served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at SUNY Buffalo, and continues to mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Dr. Thurairajah completed his medical degree at the University of Vienna and his residency and fellowship training in internal medicine and geriatrics at SUNY Buffalo. He is a Certified Medical Director through the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. He also holds a diploma in Nutritional Medicine, awarded by the Austrian Medical Council.
As of August 2025, Dr. Thurairajah reported the following ongoing external relationships:
Dr. Thurairajah reported that he maintains a YouTube channel and related social media accounts where he posts general educational content on medical and geriatric health topics.
Dr. Thurairajah is ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine with over 25 years of clinical experience in geriatric, palliative and long-term care. He serves as the Medical Director of Fallon Health Weinberg-PACE in Buffalo, New York, where he leads interdisciplinary teams to optimize health outcomes for medically complex older adults with a strong focus on aging in place and reducing institutionalization.
Throughout his career, he has led multiple quality improvement initiatives, implemented medication optimization protocols and driven innovations in transitional care, utilization management and social determinant-based interventions. His leadership roles extend across managed long-term care programs, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies.
Dr. Thurairajah is a member of the National PACE Association and the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. He is passionate about medical education, having served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at SUNY Buffalo, and continues to mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Dr. Thurairajah completed his medical degree at the University of Vienna and his residency and fellowship training in internal medicine and geriatrics at SUNY Buffalo. He is a Certified Medical Director through the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. He also holds a diploma in Nutritional Medicine, awarded by the Austrian Medical Council.
As of August 2025, Dr. Thurairajah reported the following ongoing external relationships:
Dr. Thurairajah reported that he maintains a YouTube channel and related social media accounts where he posts general educational content on medical and geriatric health topics.