Q&A with Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya, MBBS, MA, PhD

from Utah State University

Q: How long have you been a GSA member?

A: Since 2019.

Q: How specifically has membership in GSA benefitted you?

A: In the US, academic environments are uniquely diverse regarding age, sex, racial pattern, and socioeconomic status; here, migration plays an enormous role in the growing patterns of diversity. GSA is a world-class academic platform with exceptionally diverse scholar members. As a researcher, from an interdisciplinary perspective, I always find myself here as part of an interconnected world focusing on academic excellence, intrinsic dignity, and social responsibility.

Q: How did you get interested in the field of aging?

A: My past experience of working as both formal and informal caregiver gradually increased my passion in the field of aging.

Q: What projects are you working on in your current position?

A: In my current project, I am studying the risk factors and alternative therapeutic interventions for ADRD. I am also interested in the individualized care provided in nursing homes and investigating how residents’ satisfaction and subsequent complaints (if any) help identify flaws in the care delivery system.

Q: What do you love most about your line of work?

A: Applied aspects of gerontology: as a physician-gerontologist, I am always interested in studying health from a biopsychosocial perspective to improve the quality of life of older adults, especially those with dementia, living in the community and long-term care.

Q: What was the best piece of advice you got early on in your career you’d like to pass on to emerging gerontologists?

A: As a mentor, I always motivate students to be change agents, academically stronger, and more 'educated.'