An Update on AGS Fellows-in-Training

Fall 2001

The American Geriatrics Society is proud to announce its participation in a new Internet initiative, AGS Online: Caring for Older Adults, also called "My AGS," which represents a major expansion in our member services. "My AGS" will serve as an online window to the AGS and to other AGS members. This new tool will play an integral role in everything the AGS does-from extended training and educational opportunities to better facilitation of AGS meetings.

Essentially, the new portal will act as two secured web sites for each member: one umbrella site for communication and activity with the AGS; and one site that members can choose to create for use with his or her patients and staff. My AGS will include:

• Information on continuing health education and conferences, legislative updates and current issue;
• Electronic Community groups to facilitate he sharing of information between members and colleagues;
• The ability for members to be able to pick and chose the information they wish to receive through the portal.
• Frequent online polls and surveys so members can provide input on certain issues affecting the field and practice of geriatrics;
• The option of creating a personalized web site for use with patients.

As My AGS evolves, members will be able to participate in online CME and CE courses provided directly by the AGS. Members will be able to learn at home with the latest in audio, video, case-based and slide teaching methods. Eventually, the portal will also host an AGS "e-store," allowing members to purchase AGS products and complete other financial transactions online. If you have any questions about My AGS, please contact Jill Epstein at jepstein@americangeriatrics.org. To sign up for participation in the portal, please contact RJ Carrillo at rcarrillo@americangeriatrics.org.

Opportunities:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announces the availability of educational loan repayment under the NIH Loan Repayment Program for Clinical Researchers. The Program provides the repayment of the educational loan debt of qualified health professionals who agree to conduct clinical research. The program provides repayment up to $35,000 for each year of obliged service. The purpose of the program is the recruitment and retention of highly qualified health professionals as clinical investigators. The notice is available in HTML and PDF formats from the Federal Register table of contents page at www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a010906c.html.

ASCO Geriatrics/Oncology Training Program Development Grant

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and The John A. Hartford Foundation are working together to ensure a future of quality care and treatment for aging individuals with cancer. Through ASCO's Geriatrics/Oncology Training Program Development Grant, physicians have the opportunity to train in both geriatric medicine and medical oncology early in their careers.

Developing leaders in the emerging discipline of geriatric oncology is important to the future of cancer care. ASCO's Geriatrics/Oncology Training Program Development Grant promotes institutional support of fellowship training and faculty mentoring to further the knowledge of the biology of cancer in the aging as well as patient care.

The ASCO Geriatrics/Oncology Training Program Development Grant is designed to aid institutions in developing three-year Fellowship Training Programs in geriatric medicine and medical oncology. Up to seven grants totaling $225,000 (providing a total of $300,000 with institutional matching funds) will be awarded over three years. All applying institutions must have the necessary elements for a Geriatrics/Medical Oncology Training Program in place.

Training Program Directors and Directors of Cancer Centers are encouraged to apply for the ASCO Geriatrics/Oncology Training Program Development Grant. The application submission deadline is October 31, 2001. For an application and complete details, please visit www.asco.org/prof/grant/geroncgrant.htm, or contact the ASCO Training Division at (703) 299-1071.