The geriatric fellowship program in medicine is administered by the University of Florida and the Gainesville VA Medical Center. Each year four geriatric medicine fellows are accepted. The program provides flexibility to meet the needs and goals of individual fellows, and can be modified to develop areas of expertise and interest. A core curriculum provides basic knowledge of biological and psychological aspects of aging. Lectures, conferences, seminars, a journal club, Grand Rounds, and university courses serve as teaching vehicles.
Experience is gained in clinical care, research, teaching and administration.
The program is linked with the University of Florida Geriatric Education Center, Center for Gerontological Studies, and the VA Medical Center's Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive longitudinal care, including all levels of care. Training settings include acute care and ambulatory sites, a teaching nursing home, and consultation services. Patient management is assisted by fellows becoming members of interdisciplinary teams. Experience in research is essential in fellowship training.