Dr. Vitale is a geriatrician and clinician educator with longstanding interests in exploring aspects of surrogate decision-making for vulnerable older adults with cognitive impairment. In particular, her work has focused on assessing attitudes and knowledge of interprofessional team members involved in providing care for older adults and in developing educational curricula to address gaps in knowledge integral in providing palliative approaches to the care of persons with dementia. Through previous years of leadership on the American Geriatrics Society (AGS)’s Ethics Committee, she has been involved in developing several AGS position statements aimed at improving care for vulnerable older adults, including those who lack surrogate decision-makers, LGBTQ+ older adults, and persons with advanced dementia who develop problems with eating and swallowing. Dr. Vitale has also been able to positively impact clinical standards of care through her ongoing service on the AGS Choosing Wisely Workgroup.
- M.D., Wayne State University
- B.A., Albion College
Health Services Research and Policy Focus
Condition Focus
Population Focus
U-M Academic Affiliation(s)
IHPI Policy Priority Areas
U-M Primary Appointment
Clinical Professor
Medical School
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Internal Medicine
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Geriatric and Palliative Medicine
Contact Information
Email
[email protected]Publications, Grants, and Research Network
Michigan Experts Profile