The award presentation will take place at GSA's 56th Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held from November 21st-25th, 2003 in San Diego, California. The meeting is organized to foster interdisciplinary interactions among gerontological health care clinical, administrative, and research professionals.
Dr. Whall is being recognized for her significant impact on both knowledge development and patient care in the field of gerontological nursing. She was one of the first nurses to enter the specialty area of geriatric mental health, combining her psychiatric nursing preparation with her knowledge and skills in geriatric nursing. Early in her career she distinguished herself as one of the leading experts in the recognition of psychiatric problems in the elderly. Whall has worked extensively in theory development and sustained research in the area of aggressive physical behavior in nursing home residents with dementia.
Her contributions to nursing have been recognized nationally and internationally. She recently served as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Belfast in Northern Ireland. She was also elected Gerontological Nurse Researcher of the Year by the Midwest Nursing Research Society. Dr. Whall is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and holds GSA fellow status.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA), founded in 1945, is the oldest and largest national multidisciplinary scientific organization devoted to the advancement of gerontological research. Its membership includes some 5,000+ researchers, educators, practitioners, and other professionals in the field of aging. The Society's principal missions are to promote research and education in aging and to encourage the dissemination of research results to other scientists, decision makers, and practitioners.
Information about the Gerontological Society of America, its awards, and its 56th Annual Scientific Meeting can be found online at http://www.geron.org.