Get to know Dr. David Deemer

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David Deemer, MD, MA

Assistant Professor
Geriatrics and Gerontology

What is your primary professional focus as it relates to our mission areas (clinical, research and/or medical education)?
I provide primary and specialty care for patients with geriatric and/or palliative needs. I also study the impact of built spaces on health outcomes, and the ethical obligations that result from those connections.

What drew you to UW–Madison and the Department of Medicine? 
I'm a lifelong Packers fan and alumnus of the UW internal medicine residency. I loved my time in Madison and the people I worked with, so coming back made sense on many levels.

What are you most excited about during your first year with the department in this role?
I'm excited to meet my new patients and work with the talented faculty and trainees in our department. The patients and families I see have complex medical needs and are often feeling overwhelmed; it's rewarding to be able to step into and help people in such difficult situations.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?  
I enjoy reading fantasy novels, playing tennis, and gardening.

Favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?
This poem has always stuck with me, by Joseph Fasano:

In a dream I asked him
What can I do
if I can’t change it

And he pointed
to the graves
and whispered           witness it

Banner: Clint Thayer/Department of Medicine
Matt Mallum, MFA