Professional Education Programs and Products

2006 Annual Meeting

AGS' 2006 Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago was a great success, thanks to our many presenters, award recipients, sponsors, and attendees. More than 1,000 geriatrics researchers and clinicians presented cutting-edge scientific papers and posters, symposia, core curriculum sessions, and workshops during the meeting, which ran May 3 through May 7.

Among the highlights was the meeting's Public Policy Lecture, on much-needed changes designed to make Medicare more responsive to the needs of the frail elderly and those with multiple chronic conditions. The Urban Institute's Robert Berenson, MD, an expert on healthcare and Medicare policy, delivered the lecture. Renowned epidemiologist Walter Willett, MD, delivered the meetings' "Henderson State-of-the-Art Lecture," on research regarding the effects of nutrition and lifestyle on risks of chronic disease. Dr. Willett, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, was the 2006 recipient of the AGS' Henderson State-of-the-Art Award, which goes to an individual whose research and publications help healthcare professionals better understand and provide quality elder care. A list of all 2006 AGS award recipients, can be found on the 2006 Annual Scientific Meeting page.

CD ROMs of 2006 Annual Scientific Meeting sessions are available for purchase and educational session handouts are available free of charge.

GRS6 and GRS6 Teaching Slides Web Site

AGS released the fully revised, sixth edition of its Geriatrics Review Syllabus: A Core Curriculum in Geriatric Medicine (GRS6) in March 2006. An authoritative reference, a self-assessment continuing education tool for geriatrics healthcare providers, and a key teaching resource, the updated GRS6 covered the latest developments in the field. More than 100 leading geriatrics experts collaborated on revisions to GRS6, which was released as both a 3-volume print set and in CD-ROM format. The CD-ROM includes additional features that allow users to follow cross-references among chapters and move from question critiques to relevant passages in the Syllabus for further information. Clinicians who use the GRS6' self-assessment features can earn 75 Continuing Medical Education credits through the American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and American Osteopathic Association (AOA). In addition, the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) approved the CD-ROM version of the GRS6's self-assessment tools for 100 lifelong learning points for ABIM diplomates enrolled in its Maintenance of Certification program. AGS updated its Geriatrics Review Syllabus Teaching Slides Web site with information from GRS6 as well.

Resources for Completing ABIM Self-Evaluation Modules

In 2006, AGS began providing free access -- via its members-only MYAGS site -- to resources that can assist members in the completion of three American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Self-Evaluation Process (SEP) Modules. These resources link sections in the ABIM's Geriatrics SEP modules to relevant sections of the Geriatrics Review Syllabus (GRS), Geriatrics at Your Fingertips (GAYF), and the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS).