A College of Nursing researcher was honored with the Allied Health Achievement Award at this month's Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Conference.
Fabrice Mowbray, an assistant professor and director of the Data Center in the college, is the inaugural recipient of the award, which is bestowed upon a non-physician “for career achievements in advancing geriatric emergency medicine in any area.”
The honor is especially significant to Mowbray, who said he has personal experience watching his grandparents navigate emergency care during vulnerable moments.
“This recognition reflects not only my journey, but the extraordinary mentors and collaborators — particularly my colleagues at Henry Ford Health and throughout the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine — whose partnership and shared commitment to improving care have made this work possible,” he said. “I am truly humbled by the opportunity to conduct research and help shape policy for a population so close to my heart: older adults.”
Mowbray’s research focuses on analyzing data sets and suggesting decision trees for healthcare providers, with a focus on geriatric patients, palliative care and the emergency room. For example, an article in last November’s American Journal of Emergency Medicine found while emergency departments are primarily purposed to provide emergent care, they’ve increasingly becoming an initial touchpoint for hospice and palliative care, or HPC, referrals and consultations. The study was done in partnership with Henry Ford Health researchers.
Currently, Mowbray is evaluating how to better ensure older, frail patients leave the emergency department with the knowledge and resources they need to be able to function independently at home.
Associate Dean for Research Susan Buchholz said she been privileged to see firsthand how Mowbray’s research evaluating and informing geriatric care models has helped shape and improve standards of care for medically complex and older patients in both Canada and the United States.
“We are deeply grateful for Dr. Mowbray’s leadership in advancing clinical research that translates into actionable interventions and measurable improvements in the care and experiences of older adults,” she said.