From a young age, Dr. Claire Larson loved nature and science. At one point, she wanted to be a veterinarian. Eventually, medicine attracted her attention. In it, she was able to merge her love for science and her passion for helping people.
When asked how she chose her specialty, Dr. Larson says, “I was always close with my grandparents growing up. As they grew older, I saw the changes in their health and the impact on them and our family. Seeing their evolving care needs, watching them adapt to functional changes, and ultimately coping with their deaths were key experiences.”
Born and raised in Durham, NC, Dr. Larson completed her undergraduate degree at Duke University. After Duke, she chose the UNC School of Medicine for medical school. After seven years in California, Dr. Larson returned to the Tar Heel State in July 2018 to join the UNC Division of Geriatric Medicine. “While I had a great experience on the West Coast, the collegial, supportive environment, exceptional patient care, and commitment to the community drew me back to UNC.”
Without a doubt, geriatrics is a great fit for Dr. Larson. In this specialty, she combines her interest in complex disease management and her passion for working with older adults. On top of that, building relationships with patients and their families is a very rewarding process for her. “Providing excellent care for my patients means understanding their values, passions, and challenges. I enjoy the process of getting to know them, their families, and the caregivers that support them. I also enjoy understanding their values, and working with them to maximize their health and quality of life.”
Claire Larson is a clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine