About Austin Geriatric Specialists
Austin Geriatrics Specialists was born out of the Internal Medicine Practice which started in 1984 as “Peggy M Russell D.O. P.A.” As that practice grew Dr. Russell had the wonderful opportunity to incorporate into her practice the role of Medical Director of several Nursing Facilities including St. David’s Skilled Nursing Program.
Several years later, when recruited to be the Medical Director of Geriatrics for Seton hospital, she shifted gears and helped build “Seton Senior Health Clinics”, the Skilled Nursing Program at Seton Main and Seton Home Health. It was a time when Geriatrics was receiving unprecedented interest and enthusiasm. With this accumulated knowledge and expertise, Dr Russell became keenly aware of the unique needs, skills and services needed by aging individuals. Her experience, study and Board Certifications had her well prepared to dedicate her practice to Geriatrics exclusively and so shifting gears again, "Peggy M. Russell, D.O. P.A.” became “Austin Geriatric Specialists, P.A.” in 1997.
It was exciting to pursue new ways of delivering services within a private practice: family conferences; interdisciplinary team meetings with Hospice, Home Health, Skilled Nursing; a schedule organized around medical complexity, family or caregiver involvement and frequent nursing home rounds.
The practice continued to grow, adding additional Physicians and Advanced Practice Nurses Specializing in Geriatrics. Liam Fry M.D. joined Austin Geriatric Specialists, P.A. in 2006, quickly advancing to a leading clinical and management position. In 2015, when Dr Russell retired, Dr. Fry became the President of AGS.
Through Dr. Fry's leadership, Austin Geriatric Specialists has grown into one of the largest geriatric practices in Central Texas serving patients in numerous skilled nursing facilities, assisted livings and hospitals in the Austin metropolitan area.
In 2018, AGS expanded its services to include a home visit program. We now serve hundreds of geriatric patients who are no longer able to be cared for in a clinic setting and are now being treated in the comfort of their home. This has improved quality of life and reduced hospitalizations for hundreds of Central Texas elders.
Today, AGS continues it's mission of quality geriatric care through our core values: excellence, integrity, compassion, education, kindness, and teamwork.