GERIATRICS-FOR-SPECIALISTS INITIATIVE

Increasing Geriatrics Expertise in Surgical and Related Medical Specialties, supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation since 1994, entered its fourth funding phase in July 2005. A $4.3 million grant will continue to support the project through 2009. From the outset, the initiative's approach has been to work with trainees, faculty, and leaders in a variety of specialties to enhance geriatrics education and research within their own disciplines.

In Phase IV, GSI is maintaining and strengthening many ongoing programs aimed at long-term collaboration between geriatrics and the specialties, including the following (visit the GSI webpage).

The Dennis W. Jahnigen Career Development Scholars Program

In 2005, AGS was again pleased to recognize emerging leaders in geriatrics education and research through the Dennis W. Jahnigen Career Development Scholars Program. The competitive two-year Jahnigen awards are designed to support education and research training for specialty faculty who seek to launch academic careers in the geriatric aspect of their specialties. These leaders are vital to developing geriatrics knowledge and enhancing geriatrics education in the specialties. The awards are named after Dennis W. Jahnigen, MD, originator of the GSI project. Dr. Jahnigen was a visionary leader and an avid supporter of geriatrics education in all disciplines. The Jahnigen awards are generously supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation and The Atlantic Philanthropies, with The Atlantic Philanthropies pledging an additional $5.3 million for the awards for 2005-2009. AGS congratulates all the 2005 Jahnigen Award winners.

The Geriatrics Education for Specialty Residents (GESR) Program provides important opportunities for residency program directors to enrich their curricula through collaborations with geriatricians from their own institutions. Ten programs were funded for the July 2005 - June 2007 cycle.

New Frontiers in Geriatrics Research: An Agenda for Surgical and Related Medical Specialties - the Research Agenda Setting Process (RASP) assists faculty who have decided to pursue academic careers focused on the geriatric aspects of their specialties by clarifying the state of knowledge at the present time and highlighting opportunities for valuable research. Junior faculty are currently working on the 2nd edition. Visit the New Frontiers in Geriatrics Research: An Agenda for Surgical and Related Medical Specialties page for the first edition.

The Section for Surgical and Related Medical Specialties held its 5th Annual Meeting - "Insights into the Difficult World of Surgery for Older Adults" -- during the 2005 AGS Annual Meeting. The goal of the section's annual meeting is to enhance the exchange of information between specialists and geriatricians, and to disseminate favorable attitudes toward the care of older patients throughout the specialties. Leadership of the Section is overseen by a Council of national specialty leaders committed to improving the care of older adults.

Information Clearinghouse
In 2005, AGS began expanding the GSI Web site so it can better serve as a leading source of geriatrics information for surgeons and related medical specialists. Specialty information and products developed through the project are being posted on the site, which also includes links to relevant material posted on participating specialty Web sites.