Our collaborating center fosters research to improve the health of older populations by training scholars with a cross-cultural, multidisciplinary perspective and by establishing collaborations with institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
UTMB Sealy Center on Aging World Health Organization Collaborating Centre in Aging and Health
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-0177
Directions and Maps
Phone: (409) 747-0008
Email: pahowho.aging@utmb.edu
As a designated World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, we support the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) through the implementation of research and clinical training in public health, geriatrics, and gerontology, following the organization’s guidelines and responding to its needs. Our experts provide technical guidance to PAHO/WHO Member States using population data, best-practice tools, and research collaborations. As one of the few centers focused on aging and geriatrics in the Region of the Americas, we stand out for our emphasis on Latin American and population-based research. With our center's recent redesignation, we continue contributing to the global efforts under the United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging (2021-2030) strategy.
We are pleased to announce that Norma A. Pérez Raifaisen, MD, DrPH, CPC, will serve as Director of the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Collaborating Center on Aging and Health at the UTMB Sealy Center on Aging, effective May 1. Dr. Pérez Raifaisen is Assistant Dean, Student Affairs, John Sealy School of Medicine and PI, Center of Excellence for Professional Advancement and Research.
Dr. Ayala-Copete is a Colombian physician and specialist in geriatric medicine from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia. She has been part of the Neuroscience and Aging Research Group (Semillero de Neurociencias y Envejecimiento) since 2015 at her alma matter, where she began her journey as a young researcher under the supervision of Dr. Carlos Cano. Her research mainly focuses on people living with dementia, cognitive decline, and aging-related conditions. Ana aims to contribute to a better understanding of the needs of a growing older adult population and become an agent of change for improving older adults’ health throughout the Americas.
As a Research Scholar, Dr. Eduardo Cabrero leverages his clinical background (MBBS) and graduate training in Health Care Management and Policy (MSc and Ph.D.) to conduct research in aging and cognitive health. His research integrates large-scale national survey data, including from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), to address critical issues related to cognitive impairment, cognitive decline, and dementia. He collaborates with Dr. Brian Downer.
A new study highlights the success of a training program designed to improve diabetes care in community clinics. Led by researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch, including SCOA Fellows Drs. Vaughan and Raji, the study represents an important step toward improving diabetes care in underserved communities, providing clinicians with the tools to deliver high-quality care in resource-limited settings.
Join us for the next Center for Health Promotion, Performance and Rehabilitation Research (CHPPRR) Lecture on March 20, 2025. "Ramp Up Your Research in 2025 - Strategies to Keep Momentum in Uncertain Times", is presented by Dr. Melissa Morrow and Dr. Carole Tucker at 1 PM in person at Marie Hall, 4th floor, SHP or via TEAMS.
The Center for Excellence Consortium (COEC) will host an Annual Faculty Development Conference on April 25, 2025 featuring keynote speaker John Paul Sánchez, MD, MPH. Register today and download the schedule of events.
In honor of Women's History Month and International Women's Day 2025, we celebrate the strength, wisdom, and courage of the women who inspire us. This year, we recognize Alice Williams, MS, LBSW, Manager of Communications & Community Initiatives at the Sealy Center on Aging, as our Phenomenal Woman. Alice has dedicated her career to supporting older adults and caregivers. She has been an active volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association for over 20 years. Alice's passion for aging care and research was inspired by her grandparents, who exemplified lifelong learning and compassion. Let’s take a moment this month to acknowledge the incredible women in our lives who inspire us!
The Internal Medicine Lecture Series will be held on Thursday, March 6, at 12:15 PM in the Primary Care Pavilion Conference Room 2.268. The topic is "Medication Deprescribing: Practical Strategies to Changing or Stopping Medications in Older Adults," presented by Dr. Mukaila Raji, a Professor in Geriatric Medicine. Lunch will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and a Teams option is available.
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigators Lecture on February 26, 2025, "Using task mechanics to drive preferred locomotor control strategies post-stroke," presented by David Brown, PT, PhD. Visit the Pepper Investigator's Lecture page to view the video.
The Texas Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR), supported by the National Institute on Aging (Grant P30 AG059301), invites applications for 1-year pilot project funding. This initiative, led by the University of Texas Medical Branch and UT San Antonio, focuses on advancing research and researchers studying health and aging in under-represented populations, particularly Hispanic communities in the U.S. and Latin America.
The Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health is currently accepting applications for its NIH-funded K12 faculty training program, “Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health”. This 2-year program, currently in it's 20th consecutive year of NIH funding, allows scholars to devote 75% effort towards conducting research in women’s health or sex differences and annually provides scholars up to $100,000 in salary support and up to $50,000 for research expenditures. New appointments in the program will become available beginning May 1, 2025.
