
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Dr. Sanders is an Assistant Professor with the Division of Geriatrics at the University of Utah. She has primary and consultative patient care responsibilities, performs clinical research, and educates students and residents of all levels across several health care disciplines. Dr. Sanders completed her undergraduate medical education at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, CA. She subsequently graduated from the Internal Medicine Residency program from the University of Utah and was selected as a Chief Medical Resident. After practicing for three years as a General Internist with this same institution, Dr. Sanders formalized her training in a Geriatrics Fellowship.
Upon completing her fellowship, Dr. Sanders worked as the geriatrician team member of the University of Utah Faint and Fall Clinic. The first clinic of its kind, this multidisciplinary clinic focused on providing expedited, standardized, evidenced based evaluation and treatment to patients with these conditions. Three years after its opening, Dr. Sanders became the Medical Director of the clinic and expanded assessments to include formal frailty evaluations. In 2017, Dr. Sanders narrowed her practice to focus on caring for geriatric patients. Her current clinical practice is at the University of Utah Geriatrics Clinic where she follows a panel of geriatric primary care patients and continues to provide consultative care with a specific focus on faint, fall, and frailty syndromes. In addition to her outpatient practice, she is a physician team member of the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP). HELP is an international evidence based delirium prevention program, of which the University of Utah is a Center of Excellence. This program plays a key role in assisting the University of Utah to become nationally credited as an Age Friendly Health System. Dr. Sanders is recognized as an expert in faint, fall, and frailty syndromes as well as delirium prevention at her institution.
In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Sanders supervises medical students, residents, and geriatric fellows. She serves as the Associate Director for the ACGME approved Geriatric Fellowship. In this role, she mentors future geriatricians and works diligently to ensure the program is providing exceptional training in geriatrics.
Dr. Sanders’ research highlights different aspects of the geriatric syndromes of faint, fall, frailty and delirium and complements her clinical expertise. She is interested in the role decreased baroreceptor function seen with aging has in precipitating falls and how the information gained from a frailty assessment may predict patient outcomes and prognosis. In an effort to assure patient centered care, part of her work involves partnering with cardiovascular and surgical specialties to care for complex patients who are being considered for advanced medical or surgical interventions. As a physician team member of HELP, she also concentrates some of her research efforts on delirium prevention and improving this program at the University of Utah. Dr. Sanders’ passion and expertise in these areas enables her to effectively collaborate across departments within the University of Utah and the community at large to further understanding of these important geriatric syndromes.
Clinical Locations
Geriatric Care Clinic
801-581-2628
Fax: (801) 585-2293
Specialties
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Internal Medicine
-
Associate Professor (Clinical) |
Academic Divisions | Geriatrics |
Board Certification | American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine) American Board of Internal Medicine (Sub: Geriatric Medicine) |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.9/ 5

Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.8/ 5

Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.9/ 5

Wait time at clinic
4.7/ 5

Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.9/ 5

Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
March 11, 2022
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Dr Sanders is great!
UofU Patient
February 21, 2022
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
My doctor far exceeded my expectations and treated me with careful interest and respect, and compassion. I left feeling understood.
UofU Patient
February 04, 2022
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
As mentioned earlier, Best checkup I've ever had."
UofU Patient
January 18, 2022
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Excellent
UofU Patient
December 04, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Sanders is a caring and concerned physician who takes the time to answer any questions and really listen to the patient. She is professional, but always very kind and down-to-earth. I have recommended her to several friends and family members.
UofU Patient
December 02, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Excellent
UofU Patient
November 08, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Excellent
UofU Patient
October 21, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Home run.
UofU Patient
October 16, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Sanders is outstanding in her professional compassionate care. I trust her and consider her the best physician for me as she listens and explains the what and why of any treatment she suggests. Her concern for me as her patient has earned my confidence.
UofU Patient
October 04, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Sanders is the most attentive and caring physician with whom I have ever interfaced. While she Is very professional, she Is also down-to-earth, personable and responsive to every question and concern.
UofU Patient
September 02, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Dr Sanders was great!
UofU Patient
August 07, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Dr Sanders is the best
UofU Patient
June 23, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
The doctor was not rushed and spent 60 minutes with me going over all my systems and questions. I feel the care is outstanding.
UofU Patient
May 18, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
excellent
UofU Patient
April 02, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Excellent
UofU Patient
March 31, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Dr, Sanders is easily the best health care professional that my wife and I have ever had. She is responsive, happy to answer concerns, genuinely interested in our health and well-being, and willing to give us the time necessary.
UofU Patient
March 20, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
always a good experience.
UofU Patient
March 04, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
She said she would renew my prescription, but did not. This is third time this has happened, for a simple maintenance medication.
UofU Patient
February 06, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
we are waiting for x-rays before following up w exercise.
UofU Patient
January 15, 2021
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Sanders listens well and offers suggestions. I feel that she respects me as a person and I feel comfortable telling her my feelings and thoughts.
UofU Patient
October 18, 2020
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
very understanding and helpful about my medical concerns
UofU Patient
October 10, 2020
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Put good attention, good opinions.
UofU Patient
September 23, 2020
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
all of this care was provided on the phone regarding medicine.
UofU Patient
September 05, 2020
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
We appreciate Dr. Sanders. She is friendly and is caring for her patients. I feel good that my mom is under her care.
UofU Patient
July 31, 2020
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Listened well, gave thoughtful advice, and took time to discuss my concerns.
UofU Patient
July 29, 2020
MADSEN HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Sanders is wonderful, very caring and she took the time to listen and answered questions.
Dr. Sanders is an Assistant Professor with the Division of Geriatrics at the University of Utah. She has primary and consultative patient care responsibilities, performs clinical research, and educates students and residents of all levels across several health care disciplines. Dr. Sanders completed her undergraduate medical education at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, CA. She subsequently graduated from the Internal Medicine Residency program from the University of Utah and was selected as a Chief Medical Resident. After practicing for three years as a General Internist with this same institution, Dr. Sanders formalized her training in a Geriatrics Fellowship.
Upon completing her fellowship, Dr. Sanders worked as the geriatrician team member of the University of Utah Faint and Fall Clinic. The first clinic of its kind, this multidisciplinary clinic focused on providing expedited, standardized, evidenced based evaluation and treatment to patients with these conditions. Three years after its opening, Dr. Sanders became the Medical Director of the clinic and expanded assessments to include formal frailty evaluations. In 2017, Dr. Sanders narrowed her practice to focus on caring for geriatric patients. Her current clinical practice is at the University of Utah Geriatrics Clinic where she follows a panel of geriatric primary care patients and continues to provide consultative care with a specific focus on faint, fall, and frailty syndromes. In addition to her outpatient practice, she is a physician team member of the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP). HELP is an international evidence based delirium prevention program, of which the University of Utah is a Center of Excellence. This program plays a key role in assisting the University of Utah to become nationally credited as an Age Friendly Health System. Dr. Sanders is recognized as an expert in faint, fall, and frailty syndromes as well as delirium prevention at her institution.
In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Sanders supervises medical students, residents, and geriatric fellows. She serves as the Associate Director for the ACGME approved Geriatric Fellowship. In this role, she mentors future geriatricians and works diligently to ensure the program is providing exceptional training in geriatrics.
Dr. Sanders’ research highlights different aspects of the geriatric syndromes of faint, fall, frailty and delirium and complements her clinical expertise. She is interested in the role decreased baroreceptor function seen with aging has in precipitating falls and how the information gained from a frailty assessment may predict patient outcomes and prognosis. In an effort to assure patient centered care, part of her work involves partnering with cardiovascular and surgical specialties to care for complex patients who are being considered for advanced medical or surgical interventions. As a physician team member of HELP, she also concentrates some of her research efforts on delirium prevention and improving this program at the University of Utah. Dr. Sanders’ passion and expertise in these areas enables her to effectively collaborate across departments within the University of Utah and the community at large to further understanding of these important geriatric syndromes.
Academic Locations
Research Statement
Dr. Sanders is an Assistant Professor with the Division of Geriatrics at the University of Utah. Dr. Sanders educates Geriatric fellows, Internal Medicine residents, and medical students and performs clinical research. Dr. Sanders completed her undergraduate medical education at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, CA. She subsequently graduated from the Internal Medicine Residency program from the University of Utah and was selected as a Chief Medical Resident. After practicing for three years as a General Internist with this same institution, Dr. Sanders formalized her training in a Geriatrics Fellowship.
Her research highlights different aspects of the geriatric syndromes of faint, fall, frailty and delirium and complements her clinical expertise. She is interested in the role decreased baroreceptor function seen with aging has in precipitating falls as well as how the information gained from a frailty assessment may predict patient outcomes and prognosis. In an effort to assure patient centered care, part of her work involves partnering with cardiovascular and surgical specialties to care for complex patients who are being considered for advanced medical or surgical interventions. She is also a physician team member of the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), an internationally recognized evidence based delirium prevention program of which the University of Utah is a Center of Excellence. Congruent with this role, Dr Sanders concentrates some of her research efforts on delirium prevention and improving this program at the University of Utah. Dr. Sanders’ passion and expertise in these areas enables her to effectively collaborate across departments within the University of Utah and the community as large to further understanding of these important geriatric syndromes.
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Internal Medicine
-
Associate Professor (Clinical) |
Academic Divisions | Geriatrics |
Board Certification | American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine) American Board of Internal Medicine (Sub: Geriatric Medicine) |
Research Interests
- Non-accidental Falls
- Autonomic Dysfunction
- Faint and Fall Overlap
- Frail Elderly
Education History
Fellowship | University of Utah School of Medicine Internal Medicine, Geriatrics Division Fellow, 2010 |
Residency | University of Utah School of Medicine Internal Medicine Resident, 2006 |
Internship | University of Utah School of Medicine Internal Medicine Intern, 2003 |
Professional Medical | Western University of Health Sciences Osteopathic Medicine D.O., 2002 |
Undergraduate | University of Nevada Biological Sciences B.S., 1998 |
Selected Publications - Journal Articles
Journal Article
- Davizon-Castillo P, McMahon B, Aguila S, Bark D, Ashworth K, Allawzi A, Campbell RA, Montenont E, Nemkov T, DAlessandro A, Clendenen N, Shih L, Sanders NA, Higa K, Cox A, Padilla-Romo Z, Hernandez G, Wartchow E, Trahan GD, Nozik-Grayck E, Jones K, Pietras EM, DeGregori J, Rondina MT, Di Paola J (2019). TNF-α-driven inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction define the platelet hyperreactivity of aging. Blood, 134(9), 727-740.
- Sanders NA, Supiano MA, Lewis EF, Liu J, CLaggett B, Pfeffer MA, Desai AS, Sweitzer NK, Solomon SD, Fang JC (9/18/2018). The frailty syndrome and outcomes in the TOPCAT trial; doi: 10.1002/ejhf.1308. Eur J Heart Fail.
- Lund E, Sanders NA, Brignole M, Hamdan MH (2013). Cost Analysis of the Faint and Fall Clinic: A New Model in Health-care Delivery. J Innov Card Rhythm Manag, 4, 1258-1263.
- Sanders N, Jetter T, Brignole M, Hamdan M (Aug 2012). Standardized Care Pathway versus Conventional Approach in the Management of Patients Presenting with Faint at the University of Utah. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol, 2012.
- Sanders N, Ganguly J, Jetter T, Daccarrett M, Wasmund S, Brignole M, Hamdan M (Aug 2012). Atrial Fibrillation: A risk factor for non-accidental falls. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol, 2012(35), 973-979.
Book Chapter
- Sanders NA, Supiano M (2014). Assessing Older Adults for Syncope Following a Fall. In CS Landefield, A Chang, BA Williams (Eds.), Current Geriatric Diagnosis and Treatment (2nd edition, pp. 443-446). Chicago: Lange Medical Books/McGraw Hill.
Case Report
- Sanders N, Jetter T (October 2011). Syncope Masquerading as a Fall with Seizure Activity. J Am Osteopath Assoc, 111(9), 551.
Abstract
- Ganguly J, Jetter T, Sanders N (05/01/2011). Atrial Fibrillation Independently Increases the Risk for Non-Accidental Falls in the Elderly [Abstract]. Heart Rhythm Journal, 8(5), Supplement.
Other
- Manley N, Schleifer W, Sanders N (2016). Geriatrics Evaluation and Management Tools. Syncope Chapter. American Geriatrics Society and Talebreza S, ed. (Eds.). American Geriatrics Society.
- Sanders NA (September 2011). Fainting and Falling: Are you at Risk? Living Well (September 2011).
Video/Film/CD/Web/Podcast
- Sanders N (2017). AGS CoCare: Ortho Co-management Curriculum, “Secondary Fracture Prevention,” American Geriatrics Society, New York, NY 2017 (peer reviewed contribution) [Web].
- Sanders N, Singpiel S (10/12/156). Listener Question: Can Over-the-Counter Medications Increase the Chances of Falls in Elders? [Web]. Salt Lake City: The Scope University of Utah Health Radio. Available: https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/.
- Sanders N, Singpiel S (7/6/16). Falling is Not a Just a Part of Getting Older, It Is a Health Crisis [Web]. Salt Lake City: The Scope University of Utah Health Radio. Available: https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/.