Message from the Division Chief

Welcome to the Division of Geriatrics, Palliative Medicine and Hospice in the Department of Medicine at West Virginia University. Geriatrics and palliative medicine share a common goal of improving lives through better care in populations in whom quality of life and independence are threatened. Our mission is to provide comprehensive interdisciplinary geriatrics and palliative clinical services to adults both in the hospital and community, and have a strong commitment to high-quality compassionate care, promoting wellness and improving the quality of life for our patients.

Our faculty includes a wide range of health professionals who practice in a variety of care settings in a highly interprofessional culture. We provide care for patients in inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care settings across the WVU health system including J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, University Town Center, WVU hospice and Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. Our geriatric care focuses on the medical, functional, cognitive, and psychosocial problems encountered by older people with multiple chronic conditions. Our palliative medicine program addresses symptom, pain, goals of care and stress relief in patients with serious illnesses.

Our division also offers a comprehensive fellowship in hospice and palliative care accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Geriatrics and palliative medicine electives are open to medical students and residents.  In our clinical, research, and educational endeavors, we work with colleagues across specialties to integrate geriatric and palliative conditions and ensure the best patient care.

I am delighted to invite you to learn more about our vision, clinical programs, education and training opportunities, and research as you explore this website.

R. Osvaldo Navia, MD

Chief of Geriatrics, Palliative Medicine and Hospice

The Grace Kinney Mead Chair of Geriatrics

Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute