Lauren Southerland, MD
Physician, Associate Professor
Emergency Medicine
Conditions and expertise
- Pain Management
- Geriatrics
- Emergency Medicine
Locations
- University Hospital – Doan Hall
Academics and research
Department: Emergency Medicine
About
- Gender
- Female
- Additional languages
- Spanish
Biography
As an emergency medicine physician, I chose to specialize in geriatrics because I’m passionate about helping older adults maintain healthy, independent lives.
My research is focused on finding strategies to continually advance this type of care. I’m currently studying how implementing geriatric screening tools into the Emergency Department can improve patient outcomes. I received funding through the National Institute on Aging for this research.
I’m the director of Clinical Research for Emergency Medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. In addition, I serve in the community as the medical representative for the Franklin County interdisciplinary team that’s focused on preventing elder abuse and neglect.
My role includes mentoring medical students and residents in emergency medicine research and geriatrics. I also work with graduate students pursuing an Interdisciplinary Certificate in Aging.
Ohio State is a special place because we are always striving to refine our skills and improve patient care. It’s exciting to come to work every day and be part of one of the largest emergency medicine research groups in the country.
When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking, camping and gardening with my husband and our four kids. I coach my kids’ science team and also love to read and often take advantage of the library’s e-book app!
Highlights
- 2018 Exceptional Physician Peer Award, OSU Wexner Medical Center
- 2019 NIA K23 grant funding
- 2019 Researcher of the Year Award, Department of Emergency Medicine
- 2020 Columbus Business First '40 Under 40' Award
Conditions and expertise
- Emergency Medicine
- Geriatrics
- Pain Management
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Geriatric Medicine
- William Beaumont Hospital of Royal Oak, Royal Oak, MI, United States
9/1/2011 - 10/31/2012 - Residency - Emergency Medicine
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
6/23/2010 - 8/11/2011 - Internship - Emergency Medicine
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
6/23/2008 - 5/11/2010 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
8/9/2004 - 5/11/2008
Certifications
-
American Heart Association National Center
4/19/2023 -
American Board of Emergency Medicine
6/5/2012
Academics and research
I am a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and the Director of Clinical and Implementation Research for Emergency Medicine. My research focuses on geriatric emergency medicine, fall risk, and safe transitions of care from the Emergency Department. My current work includes studying how implementing geriatric screening tools into the Emergency Department can improve patient outcomes, an effort funded by the National Institute on Aging.
I serve in the community as the medical representative for a Franklin County interdisciplinary team focused on preventing elder abuse and neglect. My role also includes mentoring medical students and residents in emergency medicine research and geriatrics, and I work with graduate students pursuing an Interdisciplinary Certificate in Aging. I earned my MD at the Duke University School of Medicine, where I also completed my internship and residency.
Research interests
- Geriatric Emergency Medicine
- Fall Risk
- Safe Transitions of Care from the Emergency Department
Academic information
- Department:
- Emergency Medicine
- Division:
- Emergency Medicine
More about my research
News and media
My news coverage
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025, Lauren Southerland has reported no relationships with companies or entities.