Enhancing Resilience in Aging: Digital Health Approaches to Geriatric Rehabilitation

Speaker: Bijan Najafi, PhD, Professor of Surgery and Bioengineering, UCLA Health, David Geffen School of Medicine

Bio: Dr. Bijan Najafi is a bioengineer and digital health researcher advancing accessible, decentralized models of care. He is a tenured Professor of Surgery and Research Director of the UCLA Center for Advanced Surgical & Interventional Technology (CASIT), where he develops and validates telehealth platforms, wearable technologies, and data-driven care models to personalize treatment and expand access for conditions including age-related diseases and diabetes. He also leads the NSF Industry–University Cooperative Research Center for Care in Place (C2SHIP), which brings together academic, clinical, and industry partners to advance care beyond traditional settings. Prof. Najafi has authored over 350 peer-reviewed publications, holds 20 patents, and has led more than 80 funded projects totaling over $100 million. He has contributed to the commercialization of remote patient monitoring solutions, mentored more than 300 trainees, and was inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows in 2023.