Josette Rivera

Josette Rivera is a Professor of Medicine in the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she serves as a clinician educator in the Division of Geriatrics. She joined UCSF in 2008 after completing her medical training and working at On Lok Lifeways, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.

Education and Training

• M.D. from University of Rochester School of Medicine (2001)
• Residency in Primary Care Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Bayview (2004)
• Geriatrics Fellowship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2007)
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Training at UCSF (2017)

Research Focus

Dr. Rivera's primary research and educational focus centers on interprofessional education and practice, particularly in the context of caring for older adults. Her work emphasizes developing interprofessional curricula, assessment tools, and faculty development opportunities. She investigates how different healthcare professionals can collaborate effectively to provide comprehensive care for elderly patients, especially those who are homebound or have complex medical needs. Her publications demonstrate a consistent trajectory from foundational interprofessional education research toward practical implementation strategies in clinical settings.

Professional Recognition

• Hartford Foundation Center of Excellence Faculty Scholar (2012)
• Excellence in Teaching Award, UCSF Academy of Medical Educators (2012)
• Induction, UCSF Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators (2015)
• Outstanding Service Award, UCSF Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators (2016)

Leadership and Grants

Dr. Rivera has held significant leadership roles including co-leading the School of Medicine's collaborations with the UCSF Program in Interprofessional Practice & Education. As a past recipient of a Geriatric Academic Career Award and co-PI of the Reynolds Foundation Next Steps Grant, she has developed numerous educational programs. Currently, she serves as PI of the UCSF Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) and as Deputy Director of the Northern California Geriatric Education Center. She is also the founding chair of the American Geriatrics Society Interprofessional Education and Practice Special Interest Group.

Clinical Practice

Board certified in geriatric medicine and hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. Rivera provides primary and palliative care to homebound older adults through the UCSF Care at Home Program. She teaches medical students, residents, and fellows how to conduct home visits and address elements of geriatric care including functional assessment, care coordination, and establishing patient goals of care.