Member Spotlight

Q&A with John Paul T. Abenojar BS, MSW from Arlington, Virginia.

Q: How long have you been a member and how does GSA assist you with your professional development?
A: I have been a member of GSA for about three years now.  I became a member first and foremost for the purpose of networking and at the same time to be a part of an organization that offers ongoing learning opportunities and also to keep me abreast of the current research in the field of aging.

Q: How did you get interested in the field of aging?
A: My interest in aging started while I was growing up in the Philippines.  I was raised by my maternal grandparents and I became very involved with them.  My first job here in the U.S. was as a nursing assistant at a local nursing home in San Diego and that experience really helped me to focus on the field of aging especially on those that reside in nursing homes.  As a result of that unique experience, I knew that this was my calling.  It continues to be a challenge but I have the patience and compassion to serve this particular population.

Q: What are your key responsibilities at your job?
A: My recent job was at Bedford Court Sunrise Senior Living as the Director of Social Services.  My main responsibilities were to ensure that our resident’s received the best quality care possible while at the same time performing different tasks which ranged from facilitating care plan meetings, handling grievances, discharge planning, Minimum Data Sets (MDS) assessment and providing psychosocial care.  This was done in combination while also pursuing my doctorate in Healthcare Administration.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience in gerontology and aging research?
A: My most memorable research experience was in the area of research when I was a senior at San Diego State University and as a Ronald E. McNair Scholar where I had the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of the late Dr. Riz Oades.  My research was about how Filipino-Americans who lived in San Diego County had access to health and social services and I was to investigate if socialization through their own peers had influence in doing so.  It was quite interesting because in Filipino cultures we have different beliefs in regards to our own health.  Those Filipinos who came from a province have a tendency to seek guidance from medicine men or what we know as “Faith healers” before going to see a physician.  There were big differences between those who lived in rural and urban settings.  Because of my research, it was evident that Filipino’s in San Diego needed a place where they could socialize and it was the main reason for building the Filipino Community Center now located in National City.   As a geriatric social worker, my most memorable experiences are learning from each one of my residents.  Each of my residents is full of rich stories that I will treasure forever.  It does feel good knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s lives.

Q: Why is it important for other individuals to join GSA?
A: It is important for other individuals to join GSA because it is a well-regarded organization and at the same time provides valuable and updated information about innovative and the latest research in the field of aging.  Also it does provide ways to connect with other gerontologists by networking.

Q: Do you have any tips for emerging gerontologist?
A: My only tip is that one should take advantage of the opportunities that are available through GSA.  Attend the annual meeting, join ESPO and continue networking with leaders in the field.

Q: Tell us a little about your most recent activities/accomplishments?
A: My recent activities include the opportunity to serve as the Director of Social Services at Bedford Court Sunrise Senior Living.  It was quite a rewarding experience.  I also received a caring award from Sodexo and I am working on two upcoming research projects about Social Worker’s Qualifications and leadership styles for those who work in nursing homes and Nursing Home Resident’s Psychosocial Care.

Q: Have you had an important mentor in your career?  If so, how did it make a difference?
A: I have had three mentors.  The first one was Dr. Isidro Ortiz who always believed and had faith in me.  He was the one who encouraged me to get my PhD.  The second was Mr. Barry Zarling, a former Nursing Home Administrator who really inspired me to continue working in the field of geriatrics and long term care.  Lastly I am grateful to Zoie Nikov, our Administrator at Bedford Court a Sunrise Senior Living Facility for her continued support and guidance.  Despite all the challenges, she always had a positive attitude and always believed in my full potential.  I am very blessed to know and have worked with these three individuals.