AGS CONFERENCES ON GERIATRIC EDUCATION
Vol. XXV
Continuing Education in Geriatrics KNIGHT STEEL, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; Associate Medical Director for Education, Chief, Medical Unit, Monroe Community Hospital, Rochester, New York An Overview
Society under the direction of Dr. William Reichel at the Franklin Square Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. A large number of geriatric programs were sponsored by this organization and shortly after its beginning the American Geriatrics Society requested and received the authority to accredit programs for Category I credit of the Physician's Recognition Award of the American Medical Association. Approximately 10 programs per year have been so accredited. The Information and Consultation Center was moved to Rochester, New York in January 1976. In addition to the Franklin Square Hospital, a number of institutions have devoted some effort to the development of continuing education programs. The extent of continuing education in geriatrics is difficult to judge because many courses deeply concerned with geriatrics are not so labeled and few faculty identify themselves with the specialty. For example, a faculty member from one university has stated (personal communication) that although no courses are specifically labeled "geriatric," about 15 percent of the courses offered cover materials of special interest to a physician or other health professional devoted to the study of diseases of the elderly.
It is unquestionably true that there is increasing interest in continuing education in geriatrics. In part this reflects the recognition by practitioners that the geriatric population comprises an ever-increasing percentage of their patients, both in and out of the hospital, and therefore the subject matter of geriatrics becomes important to their work. Moreover, since many states and medical societies are considering required attendance at continuing education programs, the "consumer" demand has increased. C'Continuing Medical Education," JAMA 236: 2993-2998, December 27, 1976.) This increasing interest results from the realization by academic institutions, the "supplier," that primary care medicine must be a major concern of schools of medicine and nursing. As the care of the elderly does comprise a striking disproportionately large component of primary care, and as funding for primary care programs is becoming available, the schools are beginning to consider the development of a geriatric content for all levels of education. Thus, there is a stimulus to develop programs specifically on geriatrics, as well as programs with a sizable portion of content relevant to the primary care practitioner concerned with the elderly. Furthermore, as many of the other health care professionals (e.g., nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers) develop their curricula, geriatrics is seen to be a major concern. Nowhere is the need for a "team approach" more apparent in order to deliver first class care. Continuing education programs appropriately are promoting such multidimensional efforts.
The Future of Continuing Education in Geriatrics Nonetheless there are major problems in developing continuing education in geriatrics. Despite the interest demonstrated by some, there has as yet been strikingly little input from the majority of the major medical centers and universities. In part, this may be related to the present structure of academic institutions, with respect to both departmental and individual reimbursement and academic advancement. The importance of creating concern at the academic level for geriatrics is paramount if the present state of affairs is not to be perpetuated. That is, within academic institutions, it will be essential to have respected
The Information and Consultation Center of the American Geriatrics Society and Programs of Continuing Education In 1972 the Information and Consultation Center was established by the American Geriatrics 492
November 1977,
AGS CONFERENCES ON GERIATRIC EDUCATION
role models in research (at both basic science and clinical levels) and in care of the patient, if younger persons are to be attracted to the field. A number of federal agencies, including the Health Resources Administration, the Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging, and the Veterans Administration, are active in this area. The change from "acute" to "chronic" in our thinking about the patient's care and health is just beginning in academics. This, it is hoped, will permit a closer association between schools of higher learning and long-term care facilities so that the appropriate teaching, research and clinical activity will take place.
A Project of the American Geriatrics Society in Cooperation with the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Monroe Community Hospital The University of Rochester School of Medicine and the Monroe Community Hospital are the host institutions for the American Geriatrics
Society for a major continuing education program in geriatrics to be held May 19-20, 1977. At that meeting, many of the clinical aspects of geriatrics will be considered. Specifically, an attempt has been made to utilize faculty members who are renowned authorities in their fields of interest, yet have not previously demonstrated an expressed interest in geriatrics. Thus, the meeting will be designed not only to attract physicians and other health professionals but to interest medical and nursing faculty at the host institutions in geriatrics. . On the day preceding the meeting, a special program has been arranged to discuss the future of continuing education in geriatrics. Representatives from a large number of medical schools will be in attendance and will participate in the program (carried out under contract #HRA 23076-0214, Division of Long-Term Care, Health Resources Administration and the Administration on Aging). In addition, the very special place geriatrics has in the burgeoning primary care programs will be presented.
493
Vol. XXV
Continuing Education in Geriatrics KNIGHT STEEL, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; Associate Medical Director for Education, Chief, Medical Unit, Monroe Community Hospital, Rochester, New York An Overview
Society under the direction of Dr. William Reichel at the Franklin Square Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. A large number of geriatric programs were sponsored by this organization and shortly after its beginning the American Geriatrics Society requested and received the authority to accredit programs for Category I credit of the Physician's Recognition Award of the American Medical Association. Approximately 10 programs per year have been so accredited. The Information and Consultation Center was moved to Rochester, New York in January 1976. In addition to the Franklin Square Hospital, a number of institutions have devoted some effort to the development of continuing education programs. The extent of continuing education in geriatrics is difficult to judge because many courses deeply concerned with geriatrics are not so labeled and few faculty identify themselves with the specialty. For example, a faculty member from one university has stated (personal communication) that although no courses are specifically labeled "geriatric," about 15 percent of the courses offered cover materials of special interest to a physician or other health professional devoted to the study of diseases of the elderly.
It is unquestionably true that there is increasing interest in continuing education in geriatrics. In part this reflects the recognition by practitioners that the geriatric population comprises an ever-increasing percentage of their patients, both in and out of the hospital, and therefore the subject matter of geriatrics becomes important to their work. Moreover, since many states and medical societies are considering required attendance at continuing education programs, the "consumer" demand has increased. C'Continuing Medical Education," JAMA 236: 2993-2998, December 27, 1976.) This increasing interest results from the realization by academic institutions, the "supplier," that primary care medicine must be a major concern of schools of medicine and nursing. As the care of the elderly does comprise a striking disproportionately large component of primary care, and as funding for primary care programs is becoming available, the schools are beginning to consider the development of a geriatric content for all levels of education. Thus, there is a stimulus to develop programs specifically on geriatrics, as well as programs with a sizable portion of content relevant to the primary care practitioner concerned with the elderly. Furthermore, as many of the other health care professionals (e.g., nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers) develop their curricula, geriatrics is seen to be a major concern. Nowhere is the need for a "team approach" more apparent in order to deliver first class care. Continuing education programs appropriately are promoting such multidimensional efforts.
The Future of Continuing Education in Geriatrics Nonetheless there are major problems in developing continuing education in geriatrics. Despite the interest demonstrated by some, there has as yet been strikingly little input from the majority of the major medical centers and universities. In part, this may be related to the present structure of academic institutions, with respect to both departmental and individual reimbursement and academic advancement. The importance of creating concern at the academic level for geriatrics is paramount if the present state of affairs is not to be perpetuated. That is, within academic institutions, it will be essential to have respected
The Information and Consultation Center of the American Geriatrics Society and Programs of Continuing Education In 1972 the Information and Consultation Center was established by the American Geriatrics 492
November 1977,
AGS CONFERENCES ON GERIATRIC EDUCATION
role models in research (at both basic science and clinical levels) and in care of the patient, if younger persons are to be attracted to the field. A number of federal agencies, including the Health Resources Administration, the Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging, and the Veterans Administration, are active in this area. The change from "acute" to "chronic" in our thinking about the patient's care and health is just beginning in academics. This, it is hoped, will permit a closer association between schools of higher learning and long-term care facilities so that the appropriate teaching, research and clinical activity will take place.
A Project of the American Geriatrics Society in Cooperation with the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Monroe Community Hospital The University of Rochester School of Medicine and the Monroe Community Hospital are the host institutions for the American Geriatrics
Society for a major continuing education program in geriatrics to be held May 19-20, 1977. At that meeting, many of the clinical aspects of geriatrics will be considered. Specifically, an attempt has been made to utilize faculty members who are renowned authorities in their fields of interest, yet have not previously demonstrated an expressed interest in geriatrics. Thus, the meeting will be designed not only to attract physicians and other health professionals but to interest medical and nursing faculty at the host institutions in geriatrics. . On the day preceding the meeting, a special program has been arranged to discuss the future of continuing education in geriatrics. Representatives from a large number of medical schools will be in attendance and will participate in the program (carried out under contract #HRA 23076-0214, Division of Long-Term Care, Health Resources Administration and the Administration on Aging). In addition, the very special place geriatrics has in the burgeoning primary care programs will be presented.
493
