Geriatrics Specialty Forum
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.
Get Involved
Join our National Discussion Forum on the Aging Crisis
This forum exists among medical students to exchange ideas and
concerns regarding geriatric medicine. One topic on which we will focus
is the variety of career opportunities in geriatrics. We also seek to
raise a general awareness of the many factors important when working
with the elderly. In addition, we will collaborate with other
organizations involved in geriatric medicine and education to provide
you with general information and upcoming opportunities.
Geriatrics is the future of medicine. We encourage you to start a
geriatrics interest group at your school and use the listserve to share
your ideas and concerns. Also, we will sponsor speakers and programming
at regional and national conferences. If we can help with anything,
please let us know - and please join the listserve!
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.