Resident Chapter Network

MISSION
The purpose of the resident chapter network is to interest physicians-in-training in the field of geriatrics, to enhance the visibility of geriatric medicine at the resident level, and to provide educational programs on geriatric medicine. Resident Chapters work toward the goals of the Society, with a particular emphasis on:

• Encouraging interest in geriatrics among faculty and residents in the various disciplines concerned with the care of the elderly;
• Encouraging curriculum development to include geriatrics in the general curriculum as well as in elective course offerings and multidisciplinary programs;
• Developing educational programs in geriatrics open to the school faculty as well as to local health care professionals;
• Promoting educational activities within community facilities such as nursing homes, and senior centers.

BENEFITS OF AFFILIATING WITH THE AGS
Access to Resident Activities at the National Level
The Society makes a special effort to include residents in the annual meeting program including providing a forum for presentation of resident research. In addition, a number of special activities especially for residents and other special membership sections are held at each annual meeting.

Access to the AGS National Organization
The AGS staff provides technical support for chapter development and ongoing activities. An information packet on AGS chapter, state affiliate and national activities, current updates in geriatrics, and tips on strengthening chapter activities is provided.

Access to Leaders in Geriatrics
Through affiliation with the AGS, resident chapters have access to a national network of experts in geriatrics, many of whom are available to visit 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.

Representation in Washington, D.C.
The Washington, D.C. office represents resident 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.

INFORMATION AND SERVICES PROVIDED TO RESIDENT CHAPTERS

• Annual information packet of AGS local and national activities, including current updates in geriatrics and tips on strengthening chapter activities.
• One free copy of Geriatrics at Your Fingertips.
• Publicity on the AGS Residents Page website for planned resident programs.
• Access to resident chapter "how to" information, along with other useful resources via AGS Resident Website
• Continued AGS Guidance through staff contact.
• Support of $200 per Resident Chapter per year for programs.

RESIDENT CHAPTER GUIDELINES

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:
   1. Full-time faculty from the school of medicine, interested in geriatrics
   2. Volunteer faculty members interested in geriatrics
2. The Chapter should have the following resident officers:
   1. President
   2. Vice President
   3. 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.
4. Resident 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. Resident Chapters must act in accordance with the rules and regulations of the university and the AGS.
6. Resident Chapters should forward copies of planned programs and newsletters to the AGS office for information and dissemination.

Procedures for Establishing an AGS Resident Chapter
Groups interested in forming an AGS Resident Chapter must fill out an application form. The AGS Education Committee will review applications upon receipt.

MAINTENANCE OF AN AGS RESIDENT CHAPTER
As important as the original establishment of an AGS Resident Chapter is it's upkeep. Ongoing support is dependent upon proper maintenance of chapter guidelines.

• Resident 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.
• Resident Chapters are responsible for notifying the AGS of any change in Faculty Advisor(s) or Resident Officers. This can be done annually, at the time that the progress report is submitted.

AGS MEMBERSHIP FOR RESIDENTS
There are two types of memberships for residents:

1. Free online membership for one year, which includes:
   • Full-text access to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) online
   • Online AGS newsletter and list serv messages
   • Access to the Members Only site MyAGS
   
   
   
2. Resident hardcopy membership at the cost of $75, which includes all of the benefits of a free online membership, as well as :
   • A subscription to JAGS
   • A subscription to the Annals of Long-Term Care and Clinical Geriatrics
   • A subscription to the AGS Newsletter
   • Discounts on AGS products and publications

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
E-mail: LKahn@americangeriatrics.org