Geri Spotlight: Lisa Li and Rita Archakova
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 staff, Lisa Li (pictured left) and Rita Archakova (pictured right).
Role: Practice Coordinator, Care at Home
Joined Division: October 2022
Work site: Brisbane office, and from home in Daly City, CA
Email: [email protected]
Interviewed by Rita Archakova over Zoom
About Lisa’s Role/Ongoing Projects
As a Practice Coordinator at Care at Home, one project Lisa is currently working on is the Remote Blood Pressure monitoring program which aims to improve management of patients’ blood pressure. In this program, patients report their BP on a regular basis. Once at least 16 readings have been recorded, nurse practitioners work with patients to develop a plan to further manage BP, which is reviewed between the patient and nurse every 30 days. This project contributes to the Division’s mission through patient care.
One of Lisa’s favorite aspects of her job is getting to work with such a unique group of patients. Care at Home patients are homebound and have unique limitations preventing them from getting the care they need. Lisa helps patients navigate barriers so they can access the care they need.
What is a professional goal you would like to accomplish by the end of this year?
This year, Lisa’s goal is to help her providers build their patient panels.
More about Lisa
What is a “fun fact” about you that not many people know?
Lisa loves to cook and tries to learn how to cook new dishes often.
What are you happiest doing in your free time?
Lisa is happiest spending time with her dogs and cooking.
What is the best advice you’ve ever heard?
“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”
Who is someone you admire and why?
Lisa admires her parents. As immigrants, they moved to the United States not knowing the language and were able to achieve their American dream by supporting their children in higher education.
What are some causes you care about?
Lisa cares about children’s’ education and gun safety.
What would your backup career be?
Lisa thinks making props for movies seems like a fun job.
What else would you like us to know about you?
Lisa is the oldest of 3 sisters and has 2 dogs, a Mini Australian Shepard, and a Pitbull.
Role: Program Coordinator, Dementia Care Aware
Joined Division: 2022
Work site: Mission Bay and from home
Email: [email protected]
Interviewed by Lisa Li over Zoom
About Rita’s Role/Ongoing Projects
As a Program Coordinator for Dementia Care Aware (DCA), Rita coordinates monthly webinars and Dementia Care on Air podcast episodes. She also ensures compliance with continuing education regulations for over 60 educational activitites within the program. Through monthly webinars and podcasts, DCA provides training, tools and resources for primary care providers on conducting cognitive health assessments and taking a critical step in early diagnosis of cognitive decline.
Rita's favorite aspect about her current role is the opportunity to work closely with some of the top experts in the fields of dementia care and brain health. While coordinating multiple educational activities within our program, she gets to learn so much every day!
What is a professional goal you would like to accomplish by the end of this year?
By the end of the year, Rita aims to have coordinated at least 6 new webinars and 6 podcast episodes, as well as boosting attendance and engagement for these educational activities.
More about Rita
What is a “fun fact” about you that not many people know?
For a year during her childhood in Russia, Rita’s family adopted a bear at the zoo. They sponsored the bear's food and other essential supplies and had the opportunity to visit it every week!
What are you happiest doing in your free time?
Rita is happiest walking at the beach and meditating.
What is the best advice you’ve ever heard?
"Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment."
Who is someone you admire and why?
Rita deeply admires my father for teaching her the importance of staying true to herself and that there is no dream that is too big!
What are some causes you care about?
Rita cares about mental health advocacy, which includes raising awareness around mental health issues, the importance of brain health, the long-term impacts of trauma, and promoting mental well being for all.
What would your backup career be?
Rita would be in acting or marketing!
What else would you like us to know about you?
Rita has a precious dog named Snoopy who loves to attend DCA team meetings.