Dr. Mary Ellen Quinn, associate professor of nursing science and graduate studies at the Medical College of Georgia, has received the Marietta Suhart Award from the Georgia Gerontology Society.

The award, established in 1993 and named for a longtime Georgia Gerontology Society board member, recognizes excellence in teaching, leadership and vision in the field of gerontology, citing the ability to "touch as well as teach."

Dr. Lisa Easom, a former doctoral student of Quinn's, nominated her for the award. Quinn supervised Easom's dissertation on health-promotion activities, such as exercising regularly and eating a nutritious diet, among rural elderly citizens.

Quinn, who teaches on MCG's Athens campus, has done extensive research on health and quality-of-life issues among the elderly.

She recently completed a pilot study with Dr. Elaine Cress of the University of Georgia, assessing the effects of an exercise program for medically underserved elders. The researchers led the elders in strength training and aerobic exercise at senior centers throughout northeast Georgia, then gauged improvements in quality of life and everyday functioning.

Quinn noted that elderly populations, particularly those in rural areas, are often overlooked by the health care system.

"Many of the people I work with have limited access to resources and we hope to improve their health and quality of life," she said.

- Medical College of Georgia