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November 15, 1999
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America is turning gray. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's projections, the elderly population in this country will more than double to 80 million by the year 2050. As more people live to the "oldest ages" (85 and over), more people will face chronic, limiting illnesses or conditions that require increased health care and assisted living.
Lana Diamond, a biology major in the Health Careers Program, intends to see that those "golden years" don't lose their luster. When she completes her undergraduate requirements with honors in January, after only 3 1/2 years, Diamond will attend medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) to prepare for a career as a physician specializing in geriatrics. She had her introduction to the field last summer with the Intramural Research Training Program at the National Institute on Aging at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. "Lana is an exemplary student who represents the spirit and intent of Health Careers," said Marie Washington of the Health Careers Program. "She will be an outstanding geriatric physician because she's sensitive and compassionate. She's demonstrated that through service to her peers and the University."
A member of the Honors Program, Dean's List and Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society, Diamond is a recipient of the Distinguished Scholar Award and the MSU Alumni Association, Women of Montclair State and the Hispanic Association for Higher Education of New Jersey scholarships. She has participated in the Students for Medicine and Dentistry Program at UMDNJ and has served on the Health Careers Community Advisory Board, was employed as a student assistant with the Center for Leadership Through Equity and Diversity and worked for Health Careers as a peer biology and chemistry tutor.
INSIGHT: What led you to pursue a career as a physician specializing in geriatrics?
Diamond: Not enough people care about the elderly. I was very close to my grandmother, and ever since I was a young child I had an inclination toward the elderly. I felt bad when other kids would taunt them. I empathize with them and care about them. Also, the elderly population is increasing in this country, and their problems are going to become more prevalent.
INSIGHT: Tell us about your summer internship with the National Institute on Aging.
Diamond: It involved research on a process called somatic hypermutations-mutations that age people. Mutations are thought to be bad, but this one actually benefits us. It helps to create a diversity of antibodies in our bodies that are necessary to fight antigens.
I also had an opportunity to observe surgery and meet with surgeons, physicians, geriatricians and anesthesiologists. I also met U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Thatcher.
INSIGHT: What aspect of geriatric medicine would you like to practice?
Diamond: I'm not sure, because there's so much out there. Although, after seeing surgery, I don't want to be a surgeon. Anesthesiology interests me, but I'll know better once I'm in medical school.
INSIGHT: What is your opinion of this country's treatment of its elderly?
Diamond: It's getting better. The Johns Hopkins Medical Center has a really great fellowship program at its nursing home. I don't know about other facilities. It depends on the physicians, care workers and nurses. A lot of young people don't realize that the elderly and their health are important. They think a child's life is more valuable to our society than someone who's 80. I don't think that way. We are all-young and old-entitled to the same amount and quality of health care.
INSIGHT: How will you correct that way of thinking?
Diamond: By increasing awareness on the issues. I haven't figured out how, yet. But I hope, with my presence in the field, my outlook will rub off on others.
INSIGHT: How has the Health Careers Program prepared you?
Diamond: The eight-year combined BS/MD Program is the reason I came to Montclair State. It's difficult to get into medical school and the staff here is aware of that. They're always there to help and they genuinely care. Their support has helped me grow both as a student and as a person.