Geriatrics Medicine - 2 wks

Catalog description

As life expectancy increases, all physicians need the skills to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to older adults across care settings. This integrated elective provides a comprehensive experience in Geriatric Medicine spanning the ambulatory clinic and the inpatient service, exposing students to the full continuum of care and transitions between settings. In the outpatient clinic, students will learn to perform comprehensive geriatric assessments—including functional and cognitive evaluations—and to deliver care in a humanistic, respectful manner that aligns with patient values and goals. In the inpatient setting, students will develop core knowledge and skills to evaluate and manage common geriatric syndromes and conditions encountered during hospitalization, such as delirium and polypharmacy, while incorporating diagnostic and prognostic reasoning and a balanced risk–benefit and cost-aware perspective in complex clinical decisions. Throughout the rotation, students will practice effective communication with patients, families, and interprofessional teams; refine clinical skills and problem-solving approaches tailored to older adults; and participate in inpatient rounds with the Geriatrics attending and fellow. Students will also gain familiarity with post-hospital care venues—including assisted living facilities, sub-acute rehabilitation, and long-term care—and learn best practices for care transitions. By the end of the rotation, students will be proficient in the evaluation and care of older adults in both ambulatory and inpatient settings, equipped with practical strategies to optimize function, cognition, safety, and quality of life.