By Allison Frederick, Health Science Relations

I do whatever I can to improve the quality of life of older adults," said Judith Crossett, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry in the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. "Their quality of life is significantly determined by their brain and mental health, which involves mood and the ability to think through problems."

Crossett is director of patient services in geriatric psychiatry and supervises nursing home outreach services for the approximately 20 homes in eastern Iowa. In addition, she teaches medical residents and works with the fellowship program to ensure that more experts in Iowa are aware of geriatric psychiatry.

Crossett is one of only a handful of psychiatrists in the state of Iowa who specialize in geriatrics. Some states lack resources to care for elders with common illnesses, including dementia and depression.

" For a state like Iowa that has a large population of older people, we need more clinicians with advanced experience in geriatric psychiatry," said Crossett.

When patients with a mental illness visit Crossett, they can be "frightened, angry, or depressed and in need of personal care and assistance with basic needs," she said. Crossett works closely with both individuals and families in order to diagnose illnesses that might affect behavior.

" Never do with medicine what you can do with a change in the patient’s environment. I do what I can, without giving patients so much medication that they are sedated," Crossett said.

Crossett first came to the UI in 1971 when she entered a doctoral program in English. Soon after completion, however, she realized that "jobs in that field were scarce" and decided to pursue medical school.

" I wanted to have useful work to do, serving some higher purpose," Crossett said. "It goes along with a sense of obligation I feel about what’s right to do.

" The women in my family had an extremely strong sense of service, and they would have made me look lazy," she added, laughing.

Crossett knew medical school would be a good fit when she had a "click moment" lying on a table in a medical clinic.

" The opportunity to learn is something that has always impressed me," Crossett said. "I thought, ‘I can do this.’ Doctors get to know and do so much. I also really liked math and science, and didn’t want to waste unused talents when I could be giving them back."

When some speculated that she was too old to start medical school, she made a call to the dean of the medical school to confirm that her age would not be a factor. As the oldest member of her class, Crossett started her medical school career at age 32.

" I was struck by the quality of the administration of this medical school," said Crossett. "It’s the best I have ever seen. They are good at minimizing bureaucratic red tape and were enormously helpful; they welcomed non-traditional students and made it possible to learn at a great medical school."

Upon completing her residency at the UI, Crossett lived in Indiana for two years before moving back to Iowa and joining a private practice in Cedar Rapids. Ten years later, she joined the UI Hospitals and Clinics faculty in 1999.

And she hasn’t left Iowa since.

" This is the life and the job that I have always wanted," Crossett said. "I get to be in an atmosphere which allows me to see patients, interact with colleagues, meet residents, and plan seminars. And I get to do it all while living and working in Iowa City."

" I feel extraordinarily lucky and I intend to work for at least another 15 years," Crossett added. After retirement, she would like to go back to school and study history or music theory "for the pleasure of the effort."

Until then, Crossett keeps in tune with her church choir at Trinity Episcopal Church and devotes time to several outreach projects, including a Shelter House winter overflow and annual book sale. She is also board president of 4C’s Child Care Resource and Referral.

Crossett has a daughter and two cats. In her spare time, she likes to read, knit, cook, and spend time hiking and camping outdoors.