Geriatrics scholar Marilyn Gugliucci Named Healthcare Hero by Maine Today Media

MaineToday Media and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care have named Marilyn Gugliucci, Ph.D., Director of Geriatric Education & Research, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, a 2011 "Healthcare Hero" in the Healthcare Educator Category. 

Gugliucci was honored at an awards luncheon at the Wyndham Hotel in South Portland, Maine, November 17, 2011

The event, together with the MTM/Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Expo held November 13 at the same venue, highlighted "the dedication, innovation, compassion and exemplary achievements associated with world-class healthcare being provided every day in Maine," stated Scott Wasser, executive editor of MTM.

The event honored healthcare professionals in 11 categories, ranging from nursing and mental healthcare to community/outreach and volunteerism.

Gugliucci is president of the Maine Gerontological Society and past-president of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education.

She was specifically touted for a nationally recognized nursing home immersion program she designed, called Learning by Living, which seeks to give students studying to be physicians or other health professionals a first-hand experience of living as an older adult with a health condition.

Gugliucci also designed and directs U-ExCEL, a UNECOM functional fitness program that promotes the broad spectrum of health for older adults living in the community, in nursing homes, assisted living settings, or in independent housing on life care campuses.