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 News
from the Chair
As the baby-boom generation continues to age, our resources
and essential training must be sufficient to handle this imminent
surge in the geriatric patient population. As we age, our
bodies gradually decline in operations and become more vulnerable
to disease and medical syndromes. Geriatrics is the unique
study, care, and management of older individuals to ensure
the best quality of life for as long as possible. We strive
to provide this commitment of excellence to our elderly population
in both rural and urban settings throughout the state.
In 1997, the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation granted our request
to develop an independent Department of Geriatrics within
the UAMS College of Medicine. With a monetary award of $28.8
million, our Department was established. It has since grown
and matured in its research programs, clinical services, and
educational training. As Vice Chair for Education, it is my
mission to provide a high quality and broad experience to
all levels of medical trainees. These include students, residents,
and fellows.
The Geriatrics Clerkship is a mandatory, four-week clerkship
in the junior year of medical school. Students are introduced
to several patient care settings including the inpatient service,
transitional care, ambulatory care, nursing home, and hospice.
Within each area, students work closely with interdisciplinary
healthcare professionals. In addition, students attend Geriatric
Grand Rounds (our Continuing Medical Education series) and
specific didactic sessions. It is hoped that each student
will acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes suitable
for the appropriate care and management of geriatric patients
particularly in light of rising healthcare costs.
Both Internal Medicine and Family Practice residents rotate
through Geriatrics as a one-month experience. Family Practice
trainees work primarily on the inpatient service and make
home visits on assigned patients. The Internal Medicine residents
receive a broader exposure including primary care, palliative
care, and Adult Day Health Care. Residents are encouraged
to attend Geriatric Grand Rounds and participate in geriatric
clinical and research conferences when applicable.
Medical post-graduates interested in continued geriatrics
training can apply for one of three fellowship tracks offered
through the Geriatrics Fellowship Program. Our most popular
and shortest track is the one-year clinical program. At completion,
fellows are eligible to sit for the CAQ (Certification of
Added Qualifications) exam in Geriatrics. Our Clinician-Educator
and Clinician-Research tracks are each an additional year
with specific training provided in either medical education
or research venues.
Again, our Education Division has as its mission the dissemination
and inculcation of current geriatrics instruction into the
education of medical students, residents, and fellows thereby
creating a dynamic curriculum for every level of trainee.
We believe that by educating these future practitioners as
to the unique challenges and problems of the elderly, we will
significantly improve the future healthcare of elders in the
state of Arkansas.
For more information on any of our programs or to inquire
with specific questions, please contact one of our respective
coordinators below.
Janis Cockmon – Student Coordinator
Jane Nelson – Resident
Coordinator
Marian Hart – Fellow Coordinator
Cathey Powers, MD
Vice Chair for Education, Donald W. Reynolds Department of
Geriatrics
Director, Geriatric Fellowship Program
Medical Director, Home Based Primary Care
Associate Professor, Department of Geriatrics and College
of Nursing
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