Dr. Tejal Patel welcomed as new research specialist at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging
The University of Waterloo and Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) are pleased to announce that Dr. Tejal Patel, clinical associate professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy, has been appointed as Schlegel Specialist in Medication Management and Aging.
Dr. Patel’s research focuses on pharmacotherapeutic management of neurological conditions, in particular dementia, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease. Her current research interests include the assessment, classification and management of drug related problems in persons presenting with cognitive impairment as well as the frail elderly in primary care settings with a particular focus on medication management capacity and adherence to medications.
Additionally, Dr. Patel has worked at the MINT Memory Clinic since 2009 as a pharmacist. This clinic provides care to those with cognitive impairments and dementia in a primary care setting.
"Medication management is crucial to quality of life,” Tina Mah says, executive director at the RIA. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Patel as a Specialist and support her expanding work at the intersection of pharmacology and technology.”
Dr. Patel has been involved with the RIA as a scientist since 2017 and this move to Research Specialist will provide more opportunities for collaboration to improve medication management for older adults.
“I am excited about the ability to work with the RIA to collaboratively improve medication management for older adults at home,” Patel says.
Making a difference in the lives of older adults is most important, so that the research doesn’t just stay on paper but is put into action.
Dr. Patel hopes to reach this goal through multiple pronged approaches: examining how to enable older adults to continue managing their medications at home through the use of technology, and providing pharmacists with the tools necessary to conduct medication reviews with older adults that have cognitive impairments to improve medication use.
“The core focus of my research is to enable older adults to age where they choose to age,” Patel says. “I want to take care of the whole person, not just their medication use.”
About the RIA
The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life and care for older adults. The RIA tackles some of the biggest issues facing an aging population by integrating research, education and practice. The RIA develops solutions that make a difference to benefit older adults everywhere.
About Waterloo School of Pharmacy
As Canada’s most innovative pharmacy school, Waterloo Pharmacy is leading the future of healthcare through a strategic integration of experiential learning, impact-driven research, entrepreneurial culture, community partnerships, and teaching and academic excellence.