The Gerontological Society of America (GSA), the nation’s largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging, has named 38 exemplary professionals—including the University of Iowa College of Nursing’s Janet Specht, PhD, RN, FAAN—as its newest fellows.

The status of fellow—the highest class of membership within the Society—is an acknowledgment of outstanding and continuing work in gerontology. This recognition can come at varying points in an individual’s career and can acknowledge a broad scope of activity. This includes research, teaching, administration, public service, practice, and notable participation within the organization.

Fellows are chosen from each of GSA’s four membership sections: Biological Sciences; Behavioral and Social Sciences; Health Sciences; and Social Research, Policy, and Practice.

Dr. Specht expressed appreciation for the Society’s recognition of her dedication to gerontology. “I think being named a fellow will open even more opportunities for networking and collaborating,” she said. “I think it also brings recognition to the College of Nursing for its gerontological expertise.”

The new fellows will be formally recognized during GSA’s 65th Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held from November 14 to 18 in San Diego. Full details about the conference as well as the complete list of 2012 GSA fellows can be found at www.geron.org [1].

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About GSA
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is the nation's oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The principal mission of the Society—and its 5,400+ members—is to advance the study of aging and disseminate information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public. For more information on GSA, visit www.geron.org [1].

About Janet Specht
The research interests of Janet K. Specht, PhD, RN, FAAN, include practice models to promote professional nursing; diagnosis, interventions and outcomes for older persons with urinary incontinence; and care of persons with dementia and their families.

Dr. Specht had a grant through the Administration on Aging and the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs for a demonstration project to increase access to, and use of community based dementia- specific services in rural Iowa. The proposed model included the use of Nurse Care Managers to deliver direct services to persons with dementia and their caregivers, and a community development program to involve the community in identifying and developing needed services. The grant provided rich opportunities to increase services as well as influence policy at the state and national level. Learn more at www.nursing.uiowa.edu [2].