One medical student helped to develop a survey to understand the information needs and resources of primary care physicians, particularly regarding mental health issues and the elderly. Another student is working on a proposal to study medication compliance in older adults. A strength of the office is the various disciplines that are represented by the faculty, bringing a biopsychosocial approach to research and educational activities, as well as the delivery of medical care to older adults. As part of primary care education, medical students are provided with a core foundation in geriatric medicine. Beginning in year one, students are introduced to the concepts of aging.
Geriatric content is integrated throughout the basic and behavioral sciences in year two.
The Office provides a 20 hour required course focused on clinical geriatrics to second year medical students in addition to what is integrated in other courses. As part of a required ambulatory clerkship, selected third year students are assigned to work in the Geriatric Center and are precepted by one of the two geriatricians. A four week geriatric elective is also offered to interested students. This curriculum is supplemented with discussion sessions one to two times a week with a member of the Office of Geriatric Medicine staff. The resident participates in a weekly multidisciplinary team conference held to organize and coordinate patient care.