Anna Pendrey, MD

Bio

Dr. Anna Pendrey, MD, is an Assistant Professor at Indiana University School of Medicine and a distinguished family medicine doctor and geriatrician whose dedication to the health and well-being of older adults has made her a respected figure in the medical community. With her experience Dr. Pendrey’s commitment to geriatric care is reflected in her compassionate approach and her advocacy for improved healthcare services for seniors.

Dr. Pendrey completed her medical degree at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras graduating with honors. Her passion for geriatric medicine led her to complete a residency in family medicine at Indiana University Family Medicine Program, followed by a fellowship in geriatrics at Stanford University.

Dr. Pendrey's career began at Indiana University Family Medicine Program, she is the first geriatrician in the program and her innovative approaches to older adult care led her to start a new Geriatrics Clinic.  She later developed the Brain Clinic where patients of all ages with memory problems are evaluated in an interprofessional and interdisciplinary approach.

Residents and medical students participate in this experience. She also created the Geriatrics Track in the residency program were residents interested in applying for a Geriatrics Fellowship and/or have first-hand experience on the care for older adults can enroll in.

She is active member of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter and is a national Alzheimer’s Association Community Leader.

Given her Hispanic heritage she also is involved in community projects to the Latino community, and has also been involved in community projects to the Indian Sikh Community. She was awarded the Public Service Award from the IAFP 2024.  Her roles have included both direct patient care and leading interprofessional and interdisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive geriatric services.

Throughout her career, Dr. Pendrey has been actively involved in medical education, mentoring countless medical students, residents, and fellows in geriatric medicine. She is renowned for her ability to convey complex medical concepts with clarity and compassion, which has earned her teaching awards. She also created the Geriatrics Student Interest Group at Indiana University School of Medicine, GERI-SIG.

Dr. Pendrey has contributed significantly to geriatric research, with numerous publications in prestigious medical journals. Her passion for Obesity in older adults has led her to publications with the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), where she has published articles for the international community such as: The Chronic Disease of Obesity. Her research interests include dementia care, obesity, polypharmacy, and geriatric syndromes, with a particular focus on improving quality of life for older adults. She has also been a keynote speaker at national and international geriatric conferences and maintains active collaboration with research institutions globally.
She also is advisor for the Indiana University School of Medicine GME Patient Safety Residency Council and her interest and participation in patient safety has led her to publish with her team about the strategies to address clinical communication; “Covering provider”: an effort to streamline clinical communication chaos.”

Her representation for the Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) is one of her passions and supportive with activities with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice; in which residents are supported and represented in the program. She is also advisor for the Global Health Track at Indiana University School of Medicine, residents can participate in this track and serve communities around the globe. She is also the Global Health Communications Chair for the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM).

Dr. Pendrey is a member of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and a member of the Gerontological Society of America, the American Board of Family Medicine and she serves as editor for the GSA KAER toolkit for the Management of Obesity in Older Adults and participate in committees aimed at shaping public policy to better address the needs of the aging population.

Beyond her clinical and academic work, Dr. Pendrey is a passionate advocate for geriatric healthcare. She has been instrumental in launching community outreach programs, including health screenings, vaccinations, and educational seminars for seniors and their caregivers. Her leadership in these initiatives has fostered greater community awareness and improved access to geriatric care services, mental health and brain health. She is also the Associate Director of the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic where she serves the underserved and uninsured population in the community of Indianapolis. Residents in the program can serve in this clinic on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Dr. Pendrey resides in Indianapolis. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, healthy lifestyle and home improvement projects which help her maintain a well-rounded life and a balanced perspective on health and wellness.

Dr. Anna Pendrey’s exemplary career in geriatric medicine is marked by her unwavering commitment to her patients, significant contributions to medical research, and her role as an inspiring mentor and advocate. Her work continues to impact the lives of countless older adults, ensuring they receive the compassionate and comprehensive care they deserve.