Carolyn Clevenger, DNP, RN, GNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, FAANP, has been on the faculty at Emory for 16 years, beginning as a clinical instructor on the geriatric hospital long-term acute care unit. As an educator, she has taught small seminar courses, large lectures, and coordinated the Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (NP) track. She served as the Assistant Dean for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program for five years and in 2017, became the Associate Dean for Clinical and Community Partnerships.
Her area of scholarship focuses on geriatric and palliative care for people living with dementia. In 2015, she co-created a nurse-led medical home practice that fully integrates dementia and primary care with colleagues in the Emory Brain Health Center. The Integrated Memory Care Clinic (IMCC) is a nurse-led primary care practice exclusively for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Dr. Clevenger is the Clinical Director and a practicing nurse practitioner at the clinic which has been recognized as a Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee on Quality Assurance.
Dr. Clevenger earned her BSN from West Virginia University, MSN (Gerontology NP) and Post-Graduate Certificates (Education and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP) from Emory University, and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Medical College of Georgia. She completed a Special Fellowship in Advanced Geriatrics at the Birmingham/Atlanta VA Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC).
Briefly, tell us about a research project you’re working on...
Nearly all of my publications and presentations are focused on dementia care and best practices in dementia care. I am part of the writing group for the clinical practice guidelines for how primary care providers should evaluate cognitive symptoms that may be due to Alzheimer’s disease. I speak regularly on the best practice for how to take care of people with dementia in primary care.
What is one thing you hope your work can offer humanity by the end of your career?
New ways to organize care for families living with dementia that are feasible and sustainable, representing excellent clinical care and also a viable business.
If you could go back in time and offer yourself some advice early in your career, what would you say?
There are so many opportunities in geriatrics and gerontological nursing. Take time to reflect on what specific activities bring joy and manage your time so that you have opportunity to spend time in that activity at least weekly.
What do you enjoy most about being at Emory Nursing?
At Emory, I am surrounded by brilliant and collaborative people. I have the opportunity to innovate and lead initiatives that have widespread impact.
Social Media Handles:
Twitter: @ccleven