John A. Batsis, MD

CRC Medical Director, Associate Professor of Medicine

Dr. Batsis has dedicated his professional career to caring for older adults through clinical care, research and education. The privilege of helping older adults maximize their physical function and quality of life through patient-centered, compassionate care serves as a daily motivation in his work. His role as a clinician-researcher allows him to apply scientific principles of inquiry to enhance clinical care for an older adult population. Through learning and discovery, he aims to advance healthy aging by improving goal-directed care and healthcare delivery for older adults.

Dr. Batsis’s academic work focuses on three main areas: (a) understanding the relationships between obesity and sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass, strength and/or function with aging) and important outcomes for older adults; (b) developing multicomponent interventions (diet and exercise) to improve physical function in older adults; and (c) using novel technologies (telemedicine, remote monitoring, Internet-of-Things devices) and collaborating with transdisciplinary scientists (engineers and computer scientists) to improve the health and well-being of older adults.

Read: Dr. John Batsis Presents Keynote at AI Technology Center Consensus Guidelines Workshop
Read: Dr. Batsis Presents at American Diabetes Association Annual Meeting
Read: Dr. Batsis talks to Stat about new weight loss drugs
Watch: Dr Batsis – ‘Everyone has their own secret sauce’
Read: Doctors Assess Opportunities Gained, Lost through Medicare’s Annual Wellness Visits
Read: Batsis Discusses Five Common Medications That Can Cause Weight Gain

In the News

 
Gut Microbiome, Diet and Health

Gut Microbiome, Diet and Health

March 28, 2018 – At the NRI, we are conducting pioneering research on the interplay of diet and the gut microbiome in human health. The gut microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms living in our lower intestine; although we have long known of its existence, recent technological advances have allowed us to begin to define the composition and function of this dynamic community. This growing body of research demonstrates vast biologic activity within the gut microbiota, which may have the potential to affect our physiology and help guide health recommendations and interventions.

Study focuses on child obesity

Study focuses on child obesity

February 28, 2018 – Childhood obesity may no longer be a new concept, but the prevalence is higher than ever, and statistics show that Cabarrus County sits above the national and state averages for kids who are dangerously overweight.
An ongoing study at the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis hopes to take a dive into children’s health and nutrition and what might lead some to gain excess weight and others not to. The children’s health study is currently looking for children and their families to participate.

Should You Exercise When You’re Sick?

Should You Exercise When You’re Sick?

February 26, 2018 – ASU Human Performance Lab Director David Nieman, DrPH, was featured in a Time article discussing exercise and the immune system. “Your immune system needs activity to do its job better. Every time you exercise, you increase the circulation of important immune cells.” However, he emphasizes, that while “exercise is great for prevention, it’s not as helpful when you’re already sick.”

Do you have the cure for the common cold?

Do you have the cure for the common cold?

February 26, 2018 – Everyone gets the common cold; hence, its name. Why isn’t there a cure or preventative vaccine? Actually there is, and you have it already – an active lifestyle including regular physical activity. David Nieman, DrPH, FACSM, the director of the Appalachian State University Human Performance Laboratory at the NC Research Campus, explains.

Publications