ElderWeb

In the current issue of the Annuls of Internal Medicine, Christine K. Cassel, MD, makes a case for the development of more Geriatric departments in medical schools. She states, "I am writing to argue the case for departments of geriatric medicine as institutional structures that can advance research, improve teaching, and improve patient care -- three goals that are at the core of academic medicine. I do so from my experience over the past 4 years as chair of the first U.S. department of geriatrics and as someone who came to the position skeptical of this model."

"Separate departments of geriatrics offer many advantages," she concludes, "Leaders in geriatrics have a presence at the senior leadership level, which allows them to best represent the broad field of geriatrics and research in aging and to effectively communicate the issues concerning the elderly population. A larger proportion of medical training efforts is focused on a department of geriatrics, which helps produce well-trained geriatricians who are able to meet the needs of older patients much more effectively and efficiently. A department also houses enough faculty to provide adequate teaching throughout the other departments and the medical school. The existence of a critical base for scholarship and investigation creates an advantage in seeking external grant funding and allows researchers to focus their efforts and further the knowledge of geriatrics. The improved training provided by a department of geriatrics benefits its institution by expanding the patient population and providing comprehensive, seamless care while emphasizing preventive measures that reduce hospital utilization and improve outcomes. Our students and trainees who see this model in action from the bench to the community will be inspired to seek careers in this expanding and rewarding field."