The Elder Mistreatment Core is committed to advancing the health, safety, and well-being of older adults who are at risk for elder mistreatment and self-neglect. Through cutting-edge research, education, and evidence-based practices, we aim to make a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable older adults.
Our Vision
To be the world’s leading program dedicated to preventing and addressing elder mistreatment and self-neglect through innovative, science-driven solutions.
Our Mission
To conduct high-quality research that translates into practical, evidence-based programs offering primary, secondary, and tertiary protections for older adults — promoting safety, dignity, and resilience.
Our Core Goals
- Lead groundbreaking, evidence-based research in elder mistreatment and self-neglect prevention and intervention.
- Design and implement scalable, evidence-supported programs that reduce risk, foster resilience, and support recovery in affected older adults.
- Collaborate with leaders at the local, state, and national levels to drive meaningful change through education, community engagement, and policy advocacy.
The Elder Mistreatment Core is uniquely positioned to achieve these goals thanks to its exceptional team of core members, which includes several nationally recognized leaders in the fields of elder mistreatment and self-neglect. Our work has been widely published and continues to innovate and shape the field of elder mistreatment and self-neglect through prestigious grants, programs and awards.
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DETECT Roybal Center TEAMMeet the Team
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Director - Jason Burnett, PhD, is an associate professor in the Joan and Stanford Alexander Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine at McGovern Medical School and the director of the TEAM Collaboratory. His work includes studying risk factors and designing and evaluating interventions and public health programs to help community-based agencies identify elder mistreatment and self-neglect and create long-term positive outcomes. Burnett’s research is focused on understanding the interplay of social isolation, loneliness, and health outcomes in older adults living with elder mistreatment and self-neglect, and mobilizing health professional students to promote meaningful social connections and integration in this population. He is the chair of the Carmela and Salvatore Bitondo Graduate Fellowship Program in Elder Mistreatment. Burnett also serves on several national advisory boards and research committees for elder mistreatment and self-neglect. |
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Ron Acierno, PhD - Professor, McGovern Medical School |
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Brad Cannell, PhD, MPH - Associate Professor, School of Public Health |
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Leslie E. Clark, BSN, RN-BC - Nurse Coordinator, McGovern Medical School |
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John Halphen, MD, JD - Professor, McGovern Medical School |
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Julia Hiner, PhD - Assistant Professor, McGovern Medical School |
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Charles Maddow, MD - Associate Professor, McGovern Medical School |
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Cristina Murdock, MD - Assistant Professor, McGovern Medical School |
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Melba Hernandez-Tejada, PhD, DHA - Associate Professor, McGovern Medical School |
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Carolyn E. Pickering, PhD, RN - Professor, Cizik School of Nursing School |
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Jordan Broussard - Research Coordinator III, Institute on Aging |