Alexian Brothers Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE,) a ministry of Ascension Living PACE, announces that Medical Director Norman Desbiens, MD will assume the responsibilities of medical director of Ascension Living PACE, while continuing to serve as the medical director of the PACE in Chattanooga.
Ascension Living PACE currently serves 600 participants in Kansas, Michigan and Tennessee. PACE participants are over age 55, qualify for nursing home level of care according to state eligibility requirements, and most are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Alexian Brothers PACE is a healthcare plan that combines Medicare and TennCare benefits for senior adults in Hamilton County with complicated health issues.
PACE is designed to help people remain in their own homes and communities with the medical care, adult day services and home care they need.
"Dr. Desbiens brings to his new role a wealth of expertise and deep understanding of the needs of those that PACE serves. He has been practicing medicine for 45 years, including 15 years with PACE in Chattanooga. He has demonstrated a commitment to educating caregivers and industry professionals, having served on the faculties of the University of Wisconsin, the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, where he also chaired the department of internal medicine," officials said.
Dr. Desbiens earned his doctor of medicine degree from Harvard Medical School, and is accredited by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the specialties of internal and family practice medicine, with additional qualifications in critical care medicine and geriatrics. In addition to being honored with teaching awards and research fellowships, he is a member of several medical societies, serves as a reviewer of the American Geriatric Society journal and is a recognized national and international speaker.