Mark Lachs

Mark S. Lachs is a prominent American physician, scientist, gerontologist, and author specializing in aging, geriatrics, and elder abuse. He holds the positions of Co-Chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and Director of Geriatrics for the New York Presbyterian Health Care System. His career focuses on geriatric medicine, with pioneering research on elder mistreatment, including a major longitudinal study funded by the National Institute on Aging that revealed elevated mortality risks for elder abuse victims. Lachs has been recognized as one of the most respected physician-scientists in elder abuse, testifying before the United States Senate Committee on Aging, speaking at the White House, and consulting for the World Health Organization on elder abuse matters. As a Beeson Scholar supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation, he conducted seminal studies linking elder abuse to higher mortality in older adults. His work extends to authorship, with publications in top journals like the New England Journal of Medicine, and he holds the Irene and Roy Psaty Chair, underscoring his influence in gerontology and teaching. Beyond clinical and research roles, Lachs contributes to boards advancing elder justice, such as elderabuse.org, and engages in public education on aging through lectures and books published by Penguin Random House. His expertise aligns with social impact in healthcare, emphasizing person-centered geriatric approaches amid growing aging populations.