Geriatric Medicine

Catalog description

1) Course Goals: Primary - To enable the student to become familiar with the principles of caring for the geriatric patient. Secondary - To familiarize the student with the physiology and diseases of aging. (2) How Goals Are Achieved: This elective is offered by the interdisciplinary faculty of the Division of Geriatric Medicine. The student works with faculty, fellows, advanced practice providers and house staff in a number of settings involved in the care of the geriatric patient. These include the Geriatric Evaluation and Treatment Clinic (Duke), Geriatrics Consultation Service (Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital), The Forest at Duke Clinic, Community Living Center (Durham VA Medical Center) and other subspecialty clinics. Principles to be stressed are biology and pathophysiology of aging, multiple clinical problems in the elderly, interdisciplinary team approach to evaluation, planning and treatment, goals of maximal functional achievement and independence for the elderly. Specific clinical problems that students encounter include dementia, delirium, polypharmacy, gait instability and falls, urinary incontinence, pressure sores, and chronic pain. The student participates actively in the work-up and management of patients inpatient extended care and outpatient settings. Familiarity with the growing literature in geriatric medicine is encouraged. The student participates in seminars, lectures and team meetings at the appropriate sites. (3) Methods of Evaluation: Evaluation is by consensus of instructors and fellows at the various training sites. It is based on discussions and presentations throughout the course period. If students are registering for the course within 15 days of starting the rotation, they must contact Dr. Julianna Marwell at [email protected] to notify them of their late registration and request permission to enroll.…