Mark Iskandar

Mark Iskandar is a dedicated medical student and emerging researcher with a strong focus on geriatric medicine and implementation science. Currently, he is an MSTAR scholar at Harvard Medical School, working under the mentorship of Dr. Sevdenur Cizginer at the Center for Aging and Serious Illness (CASI) within the Mongan Institute. His research centers on advancing care for older adults and surgical patients through evidence-based implementation strategies, aiming to improve outcomes and patient experiences.
Mark holds a bachelor's degree in political science and history of medicine and health from the University of Michigan, where he graduated with university honors and distinction. He brings extensive research experience from his time as a Research Area Specialist in the Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine at Michigan Medicine, where he contributed to multiple projects on aging, cognitive resilience, and patient-centered surgical care. His work has resulted in peer-reviewed publications in journals such as the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as national conference presentations.
At Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mark continues to pursue his passion for aging research as a research assistant, focusing on interventions to reduce loneliness and promote social connection among older adults. He also serves as a leader in several student groups, advocating for research mentorship, neurology education, and movement in medicine. Mark’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and his hands-on approach to qualitative and quantitative research reflect his dedication to improving health systems for vulnerable populations.