David B. Trinkle, M.D.
As a Board Certified Geriatric Psychiatrist, Dr. Trinkle focuses on providing mental health services for the aging and elderly through a continuum of care model and the utilization of medical technology for seniors. With numerous article publications in various medical and lay journals pertaining to the field of Geriatric Psychiatry and medical technology for seniors, he received funding for research on Mild Cognitive Impairment, Wearable Monitoring of Agitation in Nursing Home Dementia Patients, and Emotional Correlates of Falls in the Elderly.
In 2018, after 26 years with Carilion Clinic — serving in numerous leadership roles — Dr. Trinkle retired his position to focus on his work in Medical Education with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. In addition to teaching and curricular design, he is actively involved in community engagement and outreach for VTCSOM as Associate Dean for Community and Culture.
Around the same time that he became a full-time employee at Virginia Tech, Dr. Trinkle retired from Roanoke City Council after 12 years and multiple terms as Vice Mayor. With strong ties to the aging population in the Roanoke Valley — and the belief that it’s critical to stay clinically active and up to date — he used the time freed up from council to create a one-day-a-week geriatric psychiatry clinic in Roanoke, Virginia.
Dr. Trinkle is actively involved in community, governmental, and professional organizations to raise awareness of Geriatric Mental Health and the need for access to treatment for this population. For many years, he routinely received the title “Best Doctor,” “Best Geriatrician” and “Best Bedside Manner” by nurses and patients in local magazines. He currently serves on the Local Office on Aging board as past Chair as well as on the Roanoke Cultural Endowment and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Boards. He previously has served on many governor appointed boards related to arts, aging and mental health. His primary motivation has been to be engaged and help improve the Roanoke Valley as an age-friendly and engaged community with good access to care.
While there are many theories linking geriatrics, psychiatry and community involvement, Dr. Trinkle has modeled his career on evidence-based aging research showing that those who are involved in the world around them live longer and more satisfied lives and strives to help his patients remain actively engaged in their community and with their families.