Promoting the Future of Geriatrics: PACE Shines at AGS Annual Meeting

The PACE model was prominently featured at the 2025 American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL, offering a unique opportunity to showcase its role as an innovative care model and a rich training ground for future geriatric leaders.

As the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) continues to grow across the country, the AGS Annual Meeting was a critical moment to elevate awareness of PACE not only as a care model but also as a vibrant, real-world learning laboratory for the next generation of geriatricians.

During a pre-conference session on fellowship directors, PACE representatives presented a dynamic “Quick Hits” session. Ilona Kopits, MD, senior medical director at Harbor Health PACE; and Sarah Babineau, MD, of Providence ElderPlace, then led a “Tool Swap Table,” where PACE programs shared key resources and insights to highlight how their interdisciplinary, person-centered approach aligns with the educational goals of geriatrics training.

More than 150 future geriatricians attended a Fellows in Training Section breakfast to meet and learn from four experienced PACE physicians. Soumya Chandrasekaran, MD, of Element Care, MA; Natalie Manley, MD, MPH, medical director at Immanuel Pathways PACE; Anne Olinger, MD, of ElderONE, NY; and Sabrina Villalba, MD, medical director at WelbeHealth, CA, shared their career paths, the scope of their clinical work, and how fellows can get involved in PACE as a career or training site.

Dr. Villalba also presented at the PACE Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting, offering insights and helping to bring together clinicians and advocates engaged in or interested in the PACE model of care. The discussion emphasized the vital role of PACE in care innovation, workforce development and health equity advancement.

During the business meeting of the Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs, Matt McNabney, MD, medical director at Hopkins ElderPlus, spoke on the importance of including PACE sites in fellowship rotations. His presentation to the leadership of academic geriatrics programs across the country emphasized the value of exposing fellows to team-based, community-integrated care for older adults with complex conditions.

Pictured in the photo (from left) are meeting attendees Natalie Manley, MD, of Immanuel Pathways PACE; Ilona Kopits, MD, of Harbor Health Elder Service Plan; Soumya Chandrasekaran, MD, of Element Care; Matthew McNabney, MD, of Hopkins ElderPlus; Sabrina Villalba, MD, of WelbeHealth; Anne Olinger, MD, of ElderONE; and Sarah Babineau, MD, of Providence ElderPlace Washington.