Ashwin Kotwal Awarded 2020 AGS Health in Aging Foundation New Investigator Award

Ashwin Kotwal, MD, MS was awarded the 2020 AGS Health in Aging Foundation New Investigator Award. 

Ashwin Kotwal, MD, MS is a physician specializing in geriatrics and palliative medicine in the Division of Geriatrics at UCSF. He holds a strong research background in social health, medical decision making, and cognitive assessments among older adults. As a recent recipient of the National Institute of Aging (NIA) Grants for Early Medical/Surgical Specialists’ Transition to Aging Research (GEMSSTAR) Award and the National Palliative Care Research Center Kornfield Scholar Award, Dr. Kotwal is examining the epidemiology and health consequences of loneliness and social isolation in the last years of life among older adults. In addition, his research examines the intersection of geriatrics, palliative care, and social well-being, including the role of social relationships in cancer screening, end-of-life experiences for married couples, and the impact of mild cognitive impairment on socialization. Dr. Kotwal hopes this research will inform the design of social interventions to impact the well-being and overall quality of life of older adults with serious illnesses.