Brant Ullery is planning a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon. He presented his research on the evolution of cardiac surgery and the importance of including elderly patients - who make up the most rapidly growing sector of the US population - in cardiothoracic research.

"The FHA Student Researcher Fund was vital to my ability to attend and present my findings at the annual meeting. Attending the conference was a wonderful experience as it was an excellent opportunity to open a dialogue with many geriatricians."

Though Ullery already understood the importance of geriatric healthcare, he says he learned a great deal from the attending the meeting. "I have gained an appreciation for the symbiotic relationship necessary between geriatrics and cardiac surgery to ensure elderly patients achieve equitable health care," he says.