Geri Spotlight: Sarah Ngo and Dustin Le
The Geriatrics Spotlight initiative fosters community building within the Division, especially during this age of hybrid/remote work where it can be challenging to find ways to interact with colleagues outside of your immediate teams. This is a way for Division members to learn more about all the wonderful work we’re doing!
This week, we get to know our division members, Sarah Ngo and Dustin Le.
Role: Special Projects Manager
Joined Division: 2016
Work site: From home in San Francisco, CA
Email: [email protected]
Interviewed by Dustin Le over Zoom.
About Sarah’s Role/Ongoing Projects
Sarah is actively collaborating on the development of a database to track DCA long-term outcomes. The objective is to uncover the trajectories and decisions made by individuals with dementia following a positive diagnosis or screening. This initiative significantly contributes to the field of aging research, aiding in the support of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. By compiling this data into a comprehensive database, researchers can gain deeper insights and create visualizations to enhance understanding in the field. Sarah also keeps websites current, updating program activities and tailoring the interface for specific audiences to keep them engaged.
Her favorite aspect of her position is the flexibility of being able to both work and be a mother.
What is a professional goal you would like to accomplish by the end of this year?
Sarah's professional goal for this year is to continue doing the work she does in supporting researchers and faculty.
More about Sarah
What’s one “fun fact” about you that not many people know? (e.g., hidden talent)
Sarah is a BTS mom. She has been a fan of the group since 2019.
What is the best advice you've ever heard?
"You have to water the flowers in your life (people around you). We have to understand each other’s needs and communication style and that is how you foster better relationships/connections.” From arts of communication.
What would your back-up career be?
Sarah would love to be a children's librarian, where she can engage with kids and relish in answering their endless "why" questions.
Role: Caregivers as Partners in Care Teams (CAP-CT) Program Coordinator
Joined Division: 2024
Work site: Mission Bay and from home in Fremont, CA
Email: [email protected]
Interviewed by Sarah Ngo over Zoom.
About Dustin’s Role/Ongoing Projects
Dustin is the Program Coordinator for the Caregivers as Partners in Care Teams initiative. The aim of this program is to educate primary care physicians (PCPs) on involving caregivers in the care process and plans, ultimately making a direct impact on patients' lives and well-being. He oversees various projects, such as discovering a LMS for educational content creation and finding a provider for CME. Dustin thrives on the complexity of these projects, as they challenge him to be precise while crafting optimal solutions tailored to the program's needs. The development of CAP-CT is pivotal for educating PCPs and caregivers, as well as facilitating critical discussions on dementia care.
His favorite aspect is the creative freedom. He appreciates being able to apply his project management techniques in planning to augment his team in implementing the new program.
What is a professional goal you would like to accomplish by the end of this year?
Dustin's professional goal for this year is to see the LMS and CME project go live and grow.
More about Dustin
What’s one “fun fact” about you that not many people know? (e.g., hidden talent)
He enjoys activities involving boards, such as surfing and skating. Also, pickleball - if you are ever in the San Jose area, you can find him at Evergreen Valley College.
What are you happiest doing in your free time?
Dustin enjoys a nice sunset walk.
What would your back-up career be?
Dustin would love to be a pilot. He currently does this as a hobby.