Maria Vejar, DNP, NP, RN

Assistant Professor, Medicine-Geriatrics


FacultyPhoto
Graduate Schools
  • MSN, Pacific Lutheran University (1997)
  • DNP, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center (2012)
Undergraduate School
  • BSN, Pacific Lutheran University (WA) (1990)
Languages
English
Department
Medicine-Geriatrics

Professional Titles

  • Assistant Professor

Publications

  • I was an author on a Poster presented at a Pharmacy conference in Summer of 2007. The Poster was regarding adverse reactions related to OTC, Glucosamine product, "Move free", and the occurrence of dramatic elevated liver enzymes in 2 patients taking the same product. We are in the process of submitting it as a Manuscript as well.
  • Pharmacotherapy, in press, accepted.I am third author
  • On 2/8/13 I submitted a manuscript to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners titled Medication Management of Elderly Patients in an Academic Primary Care Practice: A Quality Improvement Project. I am the primary author. We are still awaiting feedback from the editor as to whether or not the manuscript is approved for publication.
  • Medication Management in a Geriatric Primary Care Setting: A Quality Improvement Project. JAANP
  • Vejar MV, Makic MB, Kotthoff-Burrell E. Medication management for elderly patients in an academic primary care setting: A quality improvement project. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2014 May 16. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 24838763
  • Huntsberry AM, Linnebur SA, Vejar M. Hyponatremia after initiation and rechallenge with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in an older adult. Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:1091-6. PubMed PMID: 26170649
  • Vejar MV, Makic MB, Kotthoff-Burrell E. Medication management for elderly patients in an academic primary care setting: a quality improvement project. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2015 Feb;27(2):72-8. PubMed PMID: 24838763
  • Kant RE, Vejar M, Parnes B, Mulder J, Daddato A, Matlock DD, Lum HD. Outcomes and provider perspectives on geriatric care by a nurse practitioner-led community paramedicine program. Geriatr Nurs. 2018 Sep - Oct;39(5):574-579. PubMed PMID: 29731391
  • Fixen DR, Linnebur SA, Parnes BL, Vejar MV, Vande Griend JP. Development and economic evaluation of a pharmacist-provided chronic care management service in an ambulatory care geriatrics clinic. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2018 Nov 15;75(22):1805-1811. PubMed PMID: 30104259
  • Tandon A, Linnebur SA, Vejar MV. Identifying Cognitive Impairment in an Older Adult Using Two Different Screening Tools. Consult Pharm. 2018 Dec 1;33(12):702-705. PubMed PMID: 30545433
  • Schifeling CH, Shanbhag P, Johnson A, Atwater RC, Koljack C, Parnes BL, Vejar MM, Farro SA, Phimphasone-Brady P, Lum HD. Disparities in Video and Telephone Visits Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Analysis. JMIR Aging. 2020 Nov 10;3(2):e23176. PubMed PMID: 33048821
  • Fixen DR, Farro SA, Shanbhag P, Parnes BL, Vejar MV. Multidisciplinary Approach to Deprescribing Sedative-Hypnotic Medications in Geriatric Primary Care. J Prim Care Community Health. 2022 Jan-Dec;13:21501319221103416. PubMed PMID: 35678247

Practice Locations

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (UCH)
12605 E. 16th Ave
Aurora, CO 80045
720-848-0000

UCHealth Seniors Clinic - Anschutz Medical Campus
1635 Aurora Ct
5th Floor
Aurora, CO 80045
720-848-3400

CU Medicine Geriatric Medicine - Cherry Creek
11 South Adams Street
Floor HW
Denver, CO 80209
720-382-7800

Hospital Affiliation
  • University of Colorado Hospital

Specialty Information

Specialties
  • Geriatric Medicine, Board Certification (2001)
  • Certified Nurse Practitioner, License (2001)
Conditions & Treatments
  • Seniors' Health
  • Primary Care
  • Wellness and Prevention
Clinical Interests
I have a specific interest in participating in quality improvement in an effort to improve the care and experience we provide our patients and families. I am interested in all aspects of primary care as it relates to geriatrics and their families/caregivers. In addition, I have special interest in topics of LGBTQ+, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, end of life care and helping my patients experience a sense of peace and improved quality of life.

Care Philosophy
Practicing as a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner is one of my greatest joys and honors. I feel very fortunate and privileged to be a part of the care of my patients and a support to their families and caregivers. I believe in a holistic, patient centered and collaborative approach to care, and I strive for that everyday. I consider myself a life long learner, and some of my greatest teachers are my patients. Additionally, I value the role as a preceptor and Senior Instructor for the many students I am able to spend time with, as well as share my love of geriatrics along the way. I feel incredibly fortunate to work in the Seniors Clinic and within the Division of Geriatric Medicine with so many phenomenal providers and educators.