PRESIDENT'S LETTER

The American Geriatrics Society accomplished a great deal in 2005, thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of our membership, Board of Directors, committee and advisory group members, staff, and generous supporters.

At the May 2005 annual meeting, AGS released its watershed report, Caring for Older Americans: The Future of Geriatric Medicine. The report, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, reflects the views of numerous experts and organizations and has drawn much-needed attention to the challenges the US faces on the brink of the coming "Age Boom." The growing nationwide shortage of geriatrics healthcare professionals could reach crisis proportions in the next two decades, the report warns, unless steps are taken to address workforce and related issues.

Following publication of the report, the Society began a strategic planning process that will culminate in the release of recommendations that will help AGS set priorities for the next three years. The Bridgespan Group, a nonprofit organization that uses management strategies to help nonprofit organizations become more effective, is working with AGS staff and board members on the recommendations, which will be released in 2006. Support from the Atlantic Philanthropies has made this project possible.

Here are some additional 2005 highlights:

AGS, which had proposed commissioning an Institute of Medicine (IOM) initiative in The Future of Geriatric Medicine report, began collaborating with the Hartford Foundation to bring potential funders and the IOM together. The goal was to secure support for an IOM initiative that would both examine the readiness of the nation's healthcare workforce to meet the needs of its aging population and develop a blueprint for geriatric care in the 21st century.

Thanks to the generous support of both the John A. Hartford Foundation and the Atlantic Philanthropies, the AGS and its Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) awarded nearly $2.1 million in 2005 to researchers in surgical and medical specialties and sub-specialties of internal medicine, and to researchers making the critical transition from junior faculty to independent researcher. The Atlantic Philanthropies pledged an additional $5.3 million for the Dennis W. Jahnigen Awards for 2005-2009.

Capitalizing on the growth of the Internet and the use of electronic media in clinical settings, AGS launched its timely and informative AGS Week in Review online newsletter in early 2005. It also debuted the 2005 Geriatrics At Your Fingertips PDA version, available for free download off the AGS Web site.

As efforts to incorporate pay-for-performance policy into Medicare gained momentum, AGS stepped up its efforts to ensure that such policy includes appropriate measures concerning the care of older adults with multiple chronic conditions. (This and many other legislative and regulatory initiatives undertaken in 2005 are described further in this annual report.)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the FHA provided financial assistance to help Louisiana State University rebuild its geriatrics fellowship program. The Hartford Foundation provided matching funds. AGS applauds the AGS members who cared and continue to care for the hurricane's many elderly victims.

As part of its partnership-building efforts, AGS formalized its working relationship with the Society for General Internal Medicine (SGIM), with which it shares common goals in geriatrics clinical care and teaching. This collaboration is one of many aimed at enhancing communication and information sharing, and making the most of limited resources within the health and aging community.

This eventful year concluded with the December White House Conference on Aging. More than three dozen AGS members were delegates to the decennial conference, which makes aging policy recommendations to the President and Congress. The AGS' Future of Geriatric Medicine report provided valuable concepts and language for resolutions endorsed by the delegates, as well as for many of the implementation strategies drafted during the conference.

Though resolutions to address workforce shortages in geriatrics, and to increase geriatrics training throughout the health professions were chief among those adopted by the Conference, Congress voted just days after the session to eliminate funding for Title VII Geriatrics Health Professions Programs. AGS immediately launched, and continues, a multifaceted advocacy effort to restore federal funding for these crucial programs.

Looking to 2006, we will continue to work diligently to build on the progress we have made in 2005. Based on the objectives outlined in our strategic plan, we will expand our advocacy efforts to address the challenges posed by cutbacks in Federal funding for geriatrics training and research. We will continue to develop high quality publications, annual meeting programs, and online services for AGS members. With the support of our many generous funders and partners, we will do our utmost to meet the healthcare needs of our nation's senior citizens.

I am pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in so many significant efforts during my year as AGS President. My heartfelt thanks to every individual, organization, and supporter involved with our vital organization. We are grateful for your commitment to improving the health and well-being of all older people.