national and international legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Founders Event in Bel Air that also honored Drs. Brandon Koretz (UCLA Geriatrics) and Eric Esrailian (UCLA Gastroenterology). Staff Milestones We are pleased to recognize several important service milestones in our division. Nelva Macdonald , division administrator, marks 25 years of service at UCLA. Ana Reynoso , MSTAR coordinator and executive assistant to Dr. Karlamangla, celebrates 10 years. Endy Lopez , fund manager, reached 20 years, and Erika Ramirez , fund manager, marks an impressive 30 years. Jennifer Corona , academic personnel coordinator, celebrates 5 years of service. Angel Burrell , fellowship coordinator, reached her 1‑year milestone with the division of geriatrics this February and has quickly become a valued part of the team. In addition, Miyuki Cole, who has supported MIDUS Research Project and spent decades working with SWAN study, will be retiring at the end of the month. We are grateful for her many contributions and wish her the very best. Borun Center Coordinator Kisa Hilliard was accepted into the UCLA Executive Master of Public Health Program in Health Policy and Management and is in her second quarter of study. She recently joined UCLA Chancellor Dr. Julio Frenk for a conversation on leadership, UCLA pride, and the future of public health. Dr. Frenk highlighted Kisa and her cohort on Instagram, noting their dedication to balancing full-time careers while advancing the skills needed to improve care and strengthen health equity. These milestones remind us not only of the years of service our staff have contributed, but also of the commitment, teamwork, and professionalism they bring to the division every day. We are deeply grateful for everything they do to strengthen the UCLA Division of Geriatrics.
Dr. Grace I. Chen , served as clinical chief of UCLA Geriatrics from 2016 - 2024. Her leadership and dedication inspired us all. Her commitment to mentoring the next generation of geriatricians elevated patient care. Her impact will continue to guide our work for years ahead.
Dr. Arun Karlamangla was selected to be the inaugural holder of the David H Solomon Chair in Geriatric Medicine. Dr David H Solomon was a giant in the field of geriatrics who was instrumental in founding the UCLA Division of Geriatrics and Center for Aging (now the UCLA Longevity Center) and the largest and most successful geriatric medicine fellowship program in the county. He also made major contributions to the American Geriatrics Society and its flagship journal, JAGS, in its infancy. Dr. Jonathan Wanagat received the Geriatrics Innovation Award for his pioneering research on mitochondria’s role in muscle aging, at the
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UCLA Geriatrics Newsletter / Issue 3 / March 2026
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