Edward Ratner

Edward Ratner is an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota's School of Medicine, Department of General Internal Medicine. His research focuses on geriatrics, dementia care, nursing home outcomes, caregiver support, and medical device design.

• Education: MD (1982, University of Minnesota).

Ratner's research interests include:

• Dementia care interventions for families and healthcare providers.
• Impact of social isolation on aging populations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Systematic reviews on nursing home staffing and resident outcomes.
• Development of assistive technologies for elderly mobility.

Recent projects highlight his work in the Minnesota Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (MN GWEP) and collaborations with institutions like the U.S. Department of Defense and HRSA. His publications span topics from rehospitalization reduction to innovative medical device design.

Grants and Collaborations: Ratner actively contributes to multidisciplinary projects such as:

• Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (2024-2029, HRSA).
• Support programs for families caring for relatives with dementia (DoD Army, 2021-2025).
• Research on nursing home staffing impacts (AHRQ, 2018-2020).

Labs & Teams: He collaborates extensively with researchers like Dr. Joseph Pacala (UMN), Dr. Joseph Gaugler (UMN), and Dr. Teresa McCarthy (UMN), working on geriatric workforce development and care interventions for dementia patients.