Caregiving Conference 2026
About the Conference

A Landmark Conference to Introduce the Program

The Program for the Study and Support of Caregivers at Weill Cornell Medicine is the first of its kind within a U.S. medical school. It leverages the multidisciplinary expertise of scientists, clinicians, and educators to address the most pressing topics and knowledge gaps in the field of caregiving today.

In keeping with this mission, the Inaugural Conference of the Program for the Study and Support of Caregivers will convene a multidisciplinary group of social scientists, health professionals, and educators to learn about the Program’s vision and initiatives, organized around its three core pillars: Discover, Care, Teach.

The Program for the Study and Support of Caregivers is generously supported by the Hearst Foundation. To learn more, visit: geriatrics-palliative.weill.cornell.edu/research/caregiving 

Click Here to Register for the Conference

Secure your in-person place at the Inaugural Conference of the Program for the Study and Support of Caregivers on October 22, 2026. Space is limited; registration required by October 20, 2026.

Conference Agenda

The conference program is designed around the Program’s core pillars — Discover, Care, Teach — featuring presentations, panels, and networking opportunities.

Time

Agenda

Presenters

Description

11:30am

Arrival & Lunch

12:00pm

Welcome & Program Overview

Sara J. Czaja, Ph.D.; Madeline R. Sterling, M.D.; Veerawat Phongtankuel, M.D.; Ronald D. Adelman, M.D; Catherine Riffin, Ph.D.; Mark Lachs, M.D.

Introduction to the Program for the Study and Support of Caregivers (Vision, Accomplishments, Leadership, and Strategic Direction).

12:30pm

Keynote Address

Laura Gitlin, Ph.D., Dean Emerita and Distinguished University Professor, Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions

An Overview of Caregiver Intervention Research; Where we are now.

1:30pm

Pilot Program Awardee Presentations

Early Investigator Awardee: Steven Chao, M.D., F.A.C.S.; Trainee Awardees: Dustin Gad, B.A.; Isabel Rollandi, Ph.D.

Research presentations from the Program’s inaugural cohort of Pilot Awardees showcasing their funded caregiving research initiatives.

2:30pm

Caregiver Experiences

Jean Walsh, BCC-PCHAC, Palliative Care Chaplain

Firsthand perspectives from individuals navigating the demands and rewards of caregiving. This session features personal narratives from a palliative chaplain and caregivers themselves.

3:30pm

The Future of Caregiving: A Panel Discussion

Panelists: Joseph E. Gaugler, Ph.D; Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., MPH; Mary Mittleman, DrPH; Karl A. Pillemer, Ph.D.; Moderator: Walter Boot, Ph.D.

A forward-looking conversation with leading scholars and advocates in aging, caregiving, and health equity. Panelists will reflect on the current state of caregiver research and support, emerging challenges and opportunities.

4:45pm

Networking Reception
Click Here to Register for the Conference

Secure your in-person place at the Inaugural Conference of the Program for the Study and Support of Caregivers on October 22, 2026. Space is limited; registration required by October 20, 2026.

Keynote Speaker
Laura N. Gitlin

Laura N. Gitlin, PhD

Dean Emerita and Distinguished University Professor
Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions

Laura N. Gitlin, PhD, FGSA, FAAN is internationally and national ranked among the top social scientists. She is an intervention scientist, dean emerita, and a distinguished professor in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University. She also is co-founder and chief scientific officer of Plans4Care, Inc, a company developing digital solutions for family caregivers and health professionals. She is the author/co-author of over 550 scientific publications and seven books. Her recent co-authored, Handbook of Intervention Science: From Design to Implementation (Academic Press), was reviewed as "lifting intervention science to new heights".  Her numerous proven programs, measures and books are translated into different languages and used worldwide.

Click Here to Register for the Conference

Secure your in-person place at the Inaugural Conference of the Program for the Study and Support of Caregivers on October 22, 2026. Space is limited; registration required by October 20, 2026.

Who Should Attend

Intended Audience

This conference is designed for social and behavioral scientists, health professionals, community leaders, educators, clinician-researchers, and others committed to advancing the science and practice of caregiving. Participants will gain insight into the Program’s work and emerging opportunities for collaboration.

Questions?

Please contact us at AgingBehavioralRsrch@med.cornell.edu

Click Here to Register for the Conference

Secure your in-person place at the Inaugural Conference of the Program for the Study and Support of Caregivers on October 22, 2026. Space is limited; registration required by October 20, 2026.

Program Leadership
Sara Czaja, Ph.D.
Dr. Czaja’s research interests include caregiving, behavioral interventions, aging and cognition, aging and technology, and functional assessment.
View Profile Research
Ronald D Adelman, M.D.
Dr. Adelman’s primary areas of interests are the medical encounter and the dynamics of the communication process between older patients and their physicians. His interest also includes caregiving and a range of palliative care topics.
View Profile Research
Catherine Riffin, Ph.D.
Dr. Riffin’s research lies at the intersection of family caregiving and clinical practice with a goal of developing scalable and efficacious strategies to support person- and family-centered care.
View Profile Research
Madeline R. Sterling, M.D., M.P.H.
Dr. Sterling focuses on home health care, and in particular, training and empowering the home health aide workforce to improve patient care.
Research
Veerawat Phongtankuel, M.D.
Dr. Phongtankuel develops interventions that aim to improve symptom management at the end-of-life and the burdens felt by both patients facing serious illnesses and their caregivers.
View Profile Research
Registration
Click Here to Register for the Conference

Secure your in-person place at the Inaugural Conference of the Program for the Study and Support of Caregivers on October 22, 2026. Space is limited; registration required by October 20, 2026.

Questions?

Please contact us at AgingBehavioralRsrch@med.cornell.edu

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