We are pleased to announce Aaron Jones, associate professor in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact at McMaster, as the new Schlegel Chair in Clinical Epidemiology and Aging.
“We are excited to have Aaron Jones join the interdisciplinary team of RIA researchers,” said Tina Mah, executive director at the RIA. “Through this research chair, Jones will expand his epidemiological research program to advance the quality of life and care of older adults, providing important insights to inform public policy, care management, and health system improvements.”
Andrew Costa, who previously held the Schlegel Chair in Clinical Epidemiology and Aging, will transition to an RIA research scientist role following his recent prestigious appointment as Canada Research Chair in Integrated Care for Seniors. Costa’s distinguished contributions over two terms as a Schlegel Chair set the stage for significant advancements in targeting, developing, and evaluating models of care in home and community care, emergency departments, hospitals, and long-term care.
Jones hopes to expand his research to focus on better care for older adults in emergency departments and primary care settings. This work will address areas such as geriatric emergency care for people living with dementia, and primary care for individuals with difficulty reaching a doctor’s office, to avoid unnecessary ER visits and enable older adults to remain in their homes as they age.
Jones, who is also the director of ICES McMaster and the research director at the Waterloo Regional Campus of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, was appointed to the chair for a five-year term.
“I want to congratulate Dr. Jones on being named Schlegel Chair in Clinical Epidemiology and Aging,” says Alfonso Iorio, professor and chair of the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) at McMaster University. “This chair is a powerful resource for us and has allowed HEI and McMaster to grow a prominent role in the area of long term care research.”