Jefferson Medical Center Pharmacy Director Certified Geriatric Pharmacist

RANSON, W.VA. – Gary Matthews, PharmD, director of pharmacy at University Healthcare Jefferson Medical Center, has successfully completed the examination to become a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP).

Board certification is a way to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in geriatric pharmacy practice. It shows that the certified pharmacist has special expertise that is beyond that of a licensed pharmacist. The Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy (CCGP) has over 1,700 Certified Geriatric Pharmacists, representing eight countries, 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Older adults are at greater risk of adverse drug events because they often take multiple medications and see multiple prescribers for various health conditions.  The Certified Geriatric Pharmacist is qualified to provide a comprehensive review of the medication regimen for an older adult and work with the patient and prescribers to help ensure optimum outcomes from drug therapy. 

A hospital with one or more Certified Geriatric Pharmacists demonstrates understanding of the need for expertise in medication use in older adults, and a commitment to improving care for older adult patients.

The contributions of the Certified Geriatric Pharmacist are especially important as the population continues to age. The baby boomers in the United States began turning 65 in 2011 and the aging of the population will continue to accelerate.