Leana Wen on Medication Risks for Seniors

Thought Leader: Leana Wen

May 5, 2026

Written by: Leana Wen

In this opinion piece, Leana Wen highlights a concerning trend in hospital care where older adults are still being prescribed medications that carry disproportionate risks for their age group. Drawing on recent research, the article explains that a significant share of emergency department visits for seniors result in prescriptions for drugs that medical guidelines advise should generally be avoided due to side effects such as confusion, drowsiness, and increased fall risk. These issues are especially dangerous for older patients, who are more vulnerable to medication interactions and complications.

The piece underscores that this is not simply an issue of individual prescribing mistakes, but a broader systems problem. Despite established safety guidelines and available safer alternatives, high-risk medications continue to be used, often due to time constraints, fragmented care, or lack of consistent adoption of decision-support tools. The author emphasizes that better use of clinical guidelines, electronic alerts, and patient awareness could significantly reduce preventable harm and improve outcomes for seniors. Source: Washington Post.

Leana Wen brings this same clarity and public health expertise to her speaking engagements, translating complex medical and policy issues into actionable insights for diverse audiences. Her ability to connect healthcare systems, patient safety, and real-world policy solutions makes her a compelling speaker for conferences focused on health, leadership, and innovation. To learn more about hosting, contact WWSG.