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The purpose of the student chapter network is to interest physicians-in-training
in the field of geriatrics, to enhance the visibility of geriatric medicine
at the medical school level, and to provide educational programs on geriatric
medicine. Student Chapters work toward the goals of the Society, with
a particular emphasis on:
1) encouraging interest in geriatrics among faculty and students in
the various disciplines concerned with the care of the elderly;
2) encouraging curriculum development in the medical schools, to include
geriatrics in the general curriculum as well as in elective course offerings
and multidisciplinary programs;
3) developing educational programs in geriatrics open to the medical
school faculty as well as to local health care professionals;
4) promoting educational activities within community facilities such
as nursing homes.
The Society makes a special effort to include medical students in the
annual meeting program by providing a forum for presentation of student
research. In addition, a number of special activities especially for students
and other special membership sections are held at each annual meeting.
The Society also cosponsors, with the Boston University Medical School,
an annual Summer Institute in Geriatrics, to provide students entering
their third and fourth year with an opportunity for intensive exposure
to geriatric medicine and research.
The AGS staff provides technical support for chapter development and
ongoing activities. A quarterly information packet on AGS chapter, state
affiliate and national activities, current updates in geriatrics, and
tips on strengthening chapter activities is provided. The staff also assists
chapters in identifying additional funding sources for special projects.
Through affiliation with the AGS, student chapters have access to a national
network of experts in geriatrics, many of whom are available to visit
medical schools and to speak at local programs. AGS staff will assist
chapters in identifying and contacting appropriate speakers. In addition,
each year at the AGS annual meeting, physicians from across the nation
meet to interact, share ideas and hear from leading clinicians and researchers
on educational, clinical and research issues in geriatrics.
The Washington, D.C. office represents student chapters, state affiliates,
and AGS members on public policy issues to Congress and federal regulatory
agencies. The Washington office staff meets with Congressional staff members,
arranges for AGS leaders to present testimony at Congressional hearings,
briefs the press and Congressional representatives on geriatrics issues,
and responds to regulatory proposals on behalf of the Society.
The AGS also issues position statements that address vital issues such
as access to health care, funding for research and graduate medical education,
and health care financing.
Student members are eligible for Free online memberships. Free memberships include access of full-text JAGS online; online AGS newsletter; list serv messages, access to the Members Only site MyAGS, as well as discounts on AGS products and publications.
For an annual fee of $40, students are eligible for associate membership
in the American Geriatrics Society. They are entitled to:
- A subscription to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society,
the leading peer-reviewed journal of geriatric medicine;
- A subscription to the Annals of Long-Term Care;
- Networking opportunities with over 7,000 health care professionals
nationally;
- A subscription to the AGS Newsletter, a bi-monthly publication
featuring news; interviews, public policy updates, publications of interest,
and CME course listings;
- Representation on geriatrics issues through the Society's Washington,
DC, office;
- A reduced registration fee for the AGS Annual Meeting, the national
forum for geriatrics health care professionals;
- A discounted rate on the Geriatrics Review Syllabus: A Core Curriculum
in Geriatric Medicine, the Society's self-assessment program in
geriatric medicine;
- Clinical practice guidelines and public policy position statements
on topical subjects and controversies in geriatric medicine;
- An opportunity to become involved in geriatrics at the state level
through participation in the Society's state affiliates;
- A discounted rate on the AGS Directory of Fellowship Programs in
Geriatric Medicine, which details geriatrics fellowship programs
in the US and Canada;
- An opportunity to participate in special AGS group insurance plans.
- Bi-annual information packet of AGS local and national
activities, including current updates in geriatrics and tips on strengthening
chapter activities.
- A free associate membership for the chapter president.
- A copy of Geriatrics at Your Fingertips.
- Publicity in the AGS Newsletter for planned student programs.
- Access to student chapter "how to" information, along with
other useful resources via AGS Student Website
- Continued AGS Guidance through staff contact.
- Support of up to $200 per Student Chapter per year for programs.
1. Faculty members should be selected to serve as Chapter Advisors
and to provide continuity to Chapters. At least one advisor must be a
member of the American Geriatrics Society. Advisors may be selected from:
a. Full-time faculty from the school of medicine, interested in
geriatrics
b. Volunteer faculty members interested in geriatrics
2. The Chapter should have the following student officers:
a. President
b. Vice President
c. Secretary/Treasurer
3. A Chapter Council should be appointed, consisting of the officers
and members from each class. The Council will determine the program activities
of the Chapter. Approval for Category I accreditation can be obtained
from the American Geriatrics Society.
4. Student Chapters are to be organized primarily for service, educational
and scientific purposes. No substantial part of the activities of the
Chapter shall consist of lobbying or otherwise attempting to influence
legislation. The Chapter shall not participate in any political campaign
on behalf of any candidate for public office.
5. Student Chapters must act in accordance with the rules and regulations
of the university and the AGS.
6. Student Chapters should forward copies of planned programs and
newsletters to the AGS office for information and dissemination.
7. An accurate account of receipts and disbursements for Chapter activities
should be maintained and should be submitted annually to the Society for
information. Monies must be kept in a university account. The AGS headquarters
office in New York must be notified if the fund balance exceeds $5,000
at any time.
Groups interested in forming an AGS Student Chapter should submit the
following for review and approval, on the application provided:
1. List of faculty advisors.
2. List of student officers.
3. Summary of the Chapter's general goals and objectives
(these should be consonant with those listed above).
4. Description of a nomination and election process
for officers and advisors.
5. Process for maintaining records of Chapter
activities.
The AGS Education Committee will review applications upon receipt.
As important as the original establishment of an AGS Student Chapter
is it’s upkeep. Ongoing support is dependent upon proper maintenance of
chapter guidelines.
- Student Chapters are expected to submit annual reports on activities,
membership, planned future goals and it’s overall progress towards initially
stated goals. AGS will provide progress report forms.
- Student Chapters are responsible for notifying the AGS of any change
in Faculty Advisor(s) or Student Officers. This can be done annually,
at the time that the progress report is submitted.
If you have any questions or need further information,
please contact Lauren Kahn at:
American Geriatrics Society
The Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 801
New York, NY 10118.
Phone: 212/308-1414.
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