Emergency medicine physician Katren Tyler  was recently awarded the 2023 Academy of Geriatric Emergency Medicine (AGEM) Education Career Achievement Award. She received the honor at the organization’s annual meeting in Austin, Texas. The academy presents the award annually to recognize achievement in geriatric emergency medicine. 

Tyler is the vice chair for geriatric emergency medicine and wellness at UC Davis Health. She began the job in mid-2022 and was the first in the nation to the named to such a role.

Tyler was recognized by AGEM for her career achievements in advancing geriatric emergency medicine education through design and dissemination of training strategies, materials and standards for providers from several disciplines.

“I’m humbled for this national recognition of my commitment to geriatric emergency medicine education and mentoring the next generation of geriatric emergency medicine physicians,” Tyler said. “This is a testament to a decade of work in our department, including starting our geriatric emergency medicine fellowship at UC Davis.”

Since 2005, Tyler has been a faculty member in the emergency medicine department at UC Davis Medical Center. She has made significant contributions in the field, including the establishment of the Geriatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship, which is the fourth of its kind in the United States and the only one on the West Coast. Additionally, she played a pivotal role as the physician lead in the development and recognition of the UC Davis Age-Friendly Emergency Department (ED), which was recently accredited.

Under her leadership, the ED also earned Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). This accreditation is a testament to their commitment to geriatric care and places UC Davis Health as the only geriatric accredited ED in Sacramento — only 24 other EDs in the country have achieved gold status.

“This award also recognizes the importance of specialized care for a very vulnerable population in the ED - older adults," said Nathan Kuppermann, UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine chair. “. I congratulate Dr. Tyler for her career achievement award. She is a national leader in the field and she has just been properly recognized! ”

These designations are significant milestones in the pursuit of the Healthy Aging Initiative at UC Davis Health. This initiative aims to establish an integrated approach to care for older adults across all care settings and throughout their lifespan. Dedicated professionals like Tyler are devoted to providing age-friendly care and services that enhance access to health care, improve quality of life and simplify the complexities of navigating the health care system.

The academy is part of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. The premier organization is dedicated to high-quality research and educational innovation in emergency care that creates and promotes scientific discovery, advancement of education and ethical standards for clinicians, educators and researchers.