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In a ceremony earlier this week, The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s Dr. Janice Knebl was named the Dementia Education Advocate of the Year by the James L. West Center for Dementia Care.

In August, the center will turn 30 years old. Since its inception, Knebl has served as its medical director. In this role, she has been at the heart of the center’s education and training at every level of care for patients with dementia.

“I am truly honored and humbled to receive this award from JLWest Center for Dementia Care, which embraces education as a priority and part of its mission to serve the community,” she said. “The JLWest Center for Dementia Care embraced the inclusion of our osteopathic medical students and residents in training to come and learn at the center from its inception. They also included nursing students early on, and now they have broadened their training efforts to health professions students, in addition to forging partnerships with local high schools, school systems and colleges.

“The JLWest education and training efforts have had a significant impact on all of those patients and family members they serve,” she continued.

Knebl, DO, MBA, FACP, MACOI, CPPS, was named the chief medical officer for HSC Health last month. She boasts more than 34 years of clinical practice in geriatrics, ambulatory care, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, memory care, house calls, hospice and palliative care teams. Before being elevated to her new role, she served as HSC’s interim chair for Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, while maintaining her educational roles with the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, developing and receiving successful grants and being an active part of the health care community.

Along with her clinical and educational responsibilities, Knebl also completed her MBA from Texas Christian University in 2002 and is a tenured Regents Professor with the University of North Texas. Dr. Knebl was the second professor in TCOM’s 50-year history to receive select academic distinction at the time of the award. She is also one of the most awarded geriatricians in the state of Texas. Knebl is a pioneer in the treatment of older adults and has made a lasting impact on geriatric training for osteopathic medical students and health care professionals

“Dr. Janice Knebl is truly a model advocate,” said Jessica Rangel, HSC’s executive vice president of health systems. “Her patience, attention to detail and unrelenting passion for life have made her an incredible mentor for her students and a champion for those in her care. HSC is immensely proud and grateful for the James L. West Center for Dementia Care in recognizing her amazing career and contributions.”

James L. West is a faith-inspired, not-for-profit organization that serves people impacted by dementia. The organization provides personalized, innovative care and support for families, as well as specialized education for caregivers, health care professionals and the community at large.

“Being able to honor Dr. Knebl with the James L. West Dementia Education Advocate Award is just our small way to show appreciation for her commitment to educating current and future healthcare professionals, family caregivers, older adults and the larger community in compassionate and quality dementia care,” said Dr. Cheryl Harding, president and CEO of James L. West. “Her 30-plus years of leadership at our organization as our medical director has helped to define our philosophy of care and culture of education. We are so grateful for her partnership and passion for those we serve.”

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