Geriatrics Interest Group
As future physicians who will be caring for an aging population, we all have an obligation to seek the expertise necessary to treat older patients with skill, sensitivity and dignity. Almost every medical specialty will have an increasingly older patient base, thus if we are aware of the issues specific to the geriatric population and we are trained to work with older patients, we will be better physicians.
"Geriatrics" is medical practice that addresses the complex needs of older patients and emphasizes maintaining functional independence even in the presence of chronic disease. It requires an interdisciplinary approach - we will work with other physicians, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and family members, in order to provide comprehensive care for these patients with multiple needs.
Geriatric medicine is its own specialty. After an internal medicine or family practice residency, physicians can complete a one or two year fellowship to become certified in geriatrics. Geriatricians are primary care doctors for older patients and can also serve as consultants to other physicians and to hospital programs that work with the elderly. Psychiatrists can also complete a fellowship to specialize in geriatric psychiatry.
Source: The Administration on Aging's "A Profile of Older Americans: 2004"
Web Resources
2005 White House Conference on Aging
GetPalliativeCare.org
The Center to Advance Palliative Care introduces getpalliativecare.org, a palliative care resource created for consumers that also includes sections for medical practitioners and policymakers. This website is easy to navigate and provides clear, comprehensive palliative care information to patients and families coping with serious, complex illness. Key components of the site include a palliative care Provider Directory, a definition and detailed description of what palliative care is, a three-step process for obtaining palliative care, direct links to palliative care-related organizations and a brief questionnaire to assist consumers in determining if palliative care is appropriate for them or their loved-ones. getpalliativecare.org focuses solely on palliative care and strives to foster awareness of the need and appropriateness of palliative care interventions.
Glossary of key Geriatric terms that will come up on the wards and in practice
The Alzheimer's Association
Founded in 1980 by a pioneering group of family caregivers, the Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Association's Web site has a section just for Professional Care Providers to help them meet the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.
The American Geriatrics Society
Established in 1942, AGS is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals, students interested in geriatrics, research scientists, and other concerned individuals dedicated to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people. AGS is active in public policy, research efforts, and education in the field of geriatrics. Student memberships are $25 per year and include a subscription to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. AGS is expanding its student resources. Learn about research and mentoring opportunities and join the discussion board to talk with other students.
American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR)
Since 1981, AFAR has helped scientists begin and further careers in aging research and geriatric medicine. Their mission is to promote healthier aging through biomedical research. The John A. Hartford Foundation/AFAR Medical Student Geriatric Scholars Program sponsors medical student participation in geriatric research for an 8-12 week period. They co-sponsor a conference with AGS each year.
AFAR Infoaging Website
Infoaging provides a wealth of information related to the biology of aging, common diseases of aging and healthy lifestyles featuring interviews with scientists who are at the forefront of research in these areas.
American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry is a national association representing and serving its members and the field of geriatric psychiatry. It is dedicated to promoting the mental health and well being of older people and improving the care of those with late-life mental disorders. AAGP's mission is to enhance the knowledge base and standard of practice in geriatric psychiatry through education and research and to advocate for meeting the mental health needs of older Americans.
The National Institute on Aging
NIA is one of the 25 institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form the National Institute on Aging to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people. Subsequent amendments to this legislation designated the NIA as the primary federal agency on Alzheimer's disease research.
AARP
Founded in 1958, AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, they now just go by the initials) represents more than 34 million members, 50 years and older. AARP sponsors programs at the state and community level as well as advocating for older adults at the federal level. They sponsor research in a variety of areas, such as long-term care reform and prescription drug coverage.
The Gerontological Society of America
GSA was founded in 1945 to promote the scientific study of aging, to encourage exchanges among researchers and practitioners from various disciplines related to gerontology, and to foster the use of gerontological research in forming public policy. Its membership includes about 5,000 researchers, educators, practitioners, and other professionals in the field of aging. GSA's principal missions are to promote research and education in aging and to encourage the dissemination of research results to other scientists, decision makers, and practitioners. GSA publishes journals and newsletters and sponsors a four day scientific meeting each year.
American Society on Aging
Founded in 1954, ASA is an association of diverse individuals bound by a common goal: to support the commitment and enhance the knowledge and skills of those who seek to improve the quality of life of older adults and their families. The membership of ASA is multidisciplinary, including professionals who are concerned with the physical, emotional, social, economic and spiritual aspects of aging. They include practitioners, educators, administrators, policymakers, business people, researchers, and students. ASA sponsors publications and conferences, including an annual meeting co-sponsored with The National Council on Aging (NCOA).
The National Council on Aging
Founded in 1950, NCOA is a private, nonprofit association of about 3,500 organizations and individuals that includes senior centers, adult day service centers, area agencies on aging, employment services, congregate meal sites, faith congregations, health centers, and senior housing. NCOA is an advocate for public policies, societal attitudes, and business practices that promote vital aging. NCOA often leads campaigns to strengthen the Older Americans Act, Medicare and other government programs that benefit seniors. They sponsor programs at the community level for seniors and co-sponsor an annual conference with ASA. They research and disseminate "best practices" for promoting health, caregiver support, and other related areas.