The Division of Geriatric Medicine celebrated on July 6 the graduation of the first geriatrics fellow, Owen Maguire, M.D., and the culmination of the division’s academic goal to train geriatricians.

Maguire completed his internal medicine residency at Brown University and medical degree at Tufts University. In his application to fellowship at the University of Vermont, Maguire stated that he ‘will bring to the fellowship program engagement in learning and teaching… and will develop an approach to helping the complex older adult and their families––an approach that helps maximize function and quality of life in the face of progressive disease and aging.’ Maguire was successful on both counts, according to Isaura Menzies, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of medicine and program director for the geriatric medicine fellowship at UVM Medical Center.

“Dr. Maguire reached all his geriatrics milestones and contributed to significant curriculum improvements. We know that he will successfully transition from fellow to attending and are excited to see his contribution to the mission of our division to provide excellent care for older adults, teach and prepare learners to do the same, and help expand the evidence base for our specialty,” Menzies said. “The geriatrics fellowship at the University of Vermont is a new fellowship that is a big step in the building of a pipeline to care for older adults in Vermont, the fourth oldest state in the country.”

Maguire, who upon graduation became an assistant professor of medicine, was toasted and celebrated by all who attended the graduation celebration, including Department of Medicine faculty, nurse practitioners, the fellowship program administrator, and family and friends. Awards to faculty members and flowers were shared and appreciated.