• 2007 AGS Annual Meeting Handout Site is Now Live!
• Seattle Sights

• 2007 AGS Annual Meeting Research Abstracts Now Online
• Call for Proposals for AGS' 2008 Annual Scientific Meeting
• "An Evening With Friends" Performer Profiles
• NAGEC Offers Advice to GEC Directors Applying for Title VII Grants; HRSA to Offer Information and Technical Assistance Regarding Grants for All Title VII Geriatrics Health Professions Programs During AGS' 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting
• Sessions of Interest to Fellows
• Sessions of Interest to Clinician Educators
• Don't Let This Opportunity Pass You By: Pre-registration for the 2007 AGS Annual Meeting Has Been Extended Until this Wednesday, March 29th
• NEW Special Interest Groups at the May 2007 AGS Annual Meeting in Seattle
• Last Chance to Register for the 2007 AGS Annual Meeting at a Reduced Rate
• Cabins Available on Alaskan Cruise Following 2007 AGS Annual Scientific Meeting
• Sessions of Interest to Researchers
• Paper and Poster Sessions
• Meet-the-Expert Sessions
• For AGS Members Only Benefit
• Pre-conference Program Highlights
• Top Five Reasons to Attend the Annual Meeting
• Making Your Travel Plans
• Seattle Sights

2007 AGS Annual Meeting Handout Site is Now Live!
The 2007 AGS Annual Meeting is less than 2 weeks away and the handout site is now live! Please click on http://ags.frycomm.com/handouts/2007/index.html to download and print handouts for sessions that you plan to attend at the 2007 AGS Annual Meeting. The handout database is searchable by Session Title and Speaker Name. As with past meetings, not all speakers chose to submit handouts. The database will alert you to those speakers who have not submitted handouts, as well as to those who plan to distribute hard-copy handouts at their sessions. This handout site will be available through June 30, 2007.

We are also pleased to announce that for the 2007 Annual Meeting, we will be providing all meeting attendees with a CD-ROM containing speaker handouts. Conference attendees frequently cite the value of handouts as an important asset that enhances learning during the meeting and is useful for subsequent review and reference.

Audio CDs of most education sessions at the American Geriatrics Society Annual Meeting will be available for purchase from Content Management at the AGS Annual Meeting. Audio CDs purchased at the meeting are $15 each and can be purchased at the Content Management booth located in the Washington State Convention and Trade Center during registration hours. Bulk discounts are available to those who purchase multiple sessions. After the meeting, you will be able to purchase audio cds by visiting the 2007 annual meeting section of the AGS website (www.americangeriatrics.org).

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Seattle Sights

Get away from the noise! Seattle Parks and Recreation's special gardens are some of Seattle's most beautiful and inspiring places. They offer respite from the city's noise, quiet places to sit and reflect, and a riot of color and fragrance in the spring. The Japanese Garden is a 3 ˝ acre formal garden designed and constructed under the supervision of world-renowned Japanese garden designer Juki Iida in 1960. Chado (The Way of Tea) demonstrations are offered periodically in the traditional teahouse. The Japanese Garden is located in the Washington Park Arboretum at 1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E. The garden is open Mon-Sun 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Contact 206-684-4725 for more information.

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2007 AGS Annual Meeting Research Abstracts Now Online
The 2007 AGS Annual Meeting is less than 2 weeks away and the research abstracts are now live! You can access these studies through the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society's Blackwell site at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/toc/jgs/55/s1. You can print abstracts for sessions that you plan to attend at the 2007 AGS Annual Meeting, free of charge. If you can't make a session of interest, accessing the research abstract can give you an idea of what you missed and may answer the questions you want to know.

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Call for Proposals for AGS' 2008 Annual Scientific Meeting
The American Geriatrics Society's (AGS) Annual Meeting Program Committee invites you to submit proposals for the 2008 AGS Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held April 30-May 4, 2008, in Washington, DC. Completed program proposals must be submitted by June 8, 2007. Please submit your 2008 proposal through our online submission site, http://www.frycomm.com/ags/proposals/index.asp.

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"An Evening With Friends" Performer Profiles
Special performances by members of the AGS community make "An Evening with Friends," a fun and entertaining event. Read about some of this year's "Evening" performers and get excited for the fabulous entertainment and relaxing time with friends ahead.

For information on the 2007 event and supporting the Student Researcher Fund, please visit http://www.healthinaging.org/about/events/evening_with_friends2007.php. There, you will be able to learn more about the students you can support, purchase tickets or make a donation. If you have any questions, or would like any further information, please contact Marianna Racz.

Darryl Wieland, PhD, is Research Director, Geriatrics Services, Palmetto Health in Columbia, SC. He was a student of classical guitar during high school, took master classes at the Eastman School, and was instructor of classical guitar and clarinet at a music conservatory in Iceland in the late 1970's. He played guitar and keyboards in various venues around the mid-Atlantic in the late 60's and early 70's. More recently, he has been content to sing tenor in chamber and symphonic choral groups in LA and SC.

Ronald Shorr, MD, MS, Professor and Chief, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Florida and Director, GRECC, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, will play guitar. Prior to his move to Gainesville, he was active in the Memphis jazz community, where he had a weekly gig for several years. He has performed at B.B. King's and Isaac Hayes' clubs in Memphis.

Sally Brooks, M.D., AGS-F, FACP, is a National Medical Director of Ovations with special focus on the Evercare programs. She serves once again as an emcee and amateur vocalist for the event. She was in a variety of musicals and chorale groups in high school and college but did not get to live her lifelong career goal of being a Rockette as she is "vertically challenged."

Mike Rynhoud, on drums, is from Cape Town, South Africa. He was the manager of the property and taxes section of the City of Cape Town until immigrating to Seattle in 1996 with his wife, Debbie. He has played in amateur jazz and dance bands since the late Sixties, drumming for top Cape Town bands such as Mainstream, the Clive Sharrock Big band and Kindred Spirit. After getting settled in Seattle, in 2004 he helped form a new band The Odd Foot Orchestra; he works as an administrative assistant at Bailey-Boushay House, a skilled nursing home.

Neil Alexander, MD, is Professor of Geriatric Medicine, University of Michigan and Director, VA Ann Arbor Health Care System GRECC. Neil plays regularly in the southeast Michigan bar mitzvah-wedding circuit as the lead singer, dance leader, impressario, and shlepper for the Klezmer Fusion Band (KFB) (www.klezmerfusionband.com), with their special blend of Jewish, jazz, and rock music. He has 2 CD's out, one with the Albuquerque-based New Shtetl Band and the second with KFB.

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NAGEC Offers Advice to GEC Directors Applying for Title VII Grants; HRSA to Offer Information and Technical Assistance Regarding Grants for All Title VII Geriatrics Health Professions Programs During AGS' 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting
The National Association for Geriatric Education Centers (NAGEC) is offering information and advice to assist directors of GECs with applications for Title VII Geriatrics Health Professions Program funds. In addition, the federal Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) will offer staff with GECs and other programs eligible for Title VII funds information about and technical assistance regarding this funding during AGS' 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting. Full story

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 2

1:00 - 5:30 pm
Challenge Your Geriatrics Knowledge
Additional fee session: $235 (includes a discounted copy ($75 off list price) of the CD-ROM version of the Sixth Edition of the Geriatrics Review Syllabus)
During this interactive session, participants will review and update their geriatrics knowledge at this pre-conference session. The 4.5 hour format will provide an updated overview of evidence-based care for geriatric patients. The audience will actively participate in the session through a question and answer format that is based on the latest edition of the Geriatrics Review Syllabus (GRS). Learning objective: (1) identify recent advances in geriatric medicine through the modality of case-based questions.

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THURSDAY, MAY 3

7:30 - 9:00 am
CPT Coding: Basic Principles and Practice (Meet-the-Experts)
Additional fee session: $25
This session will address important coding, documentation and billing/payment rules of the Medicare program, and will explain how to obtain proper reimbursement while following all regulations. Learning objectives: (1) describe basic coding principles; (2) discuss key Medicare payment rules; and (3) interpret how to relate these to practice management.

7:30 - 9:00 am
Using the PDA Version of Geriatrics at Your Fingertips (GAYF) in Teaching (Meet-the-Experts)
Additional fee session: $25
This session will provide information on using the PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) version of Geriatrics at Your Fingertips and will explain how to apply in teaching sessions and patient care. Learning objectives: (1) describe how to obtain and install the program on their PDA (Personal Digital Assistants); (2) discuss the basic aspects of the program including organization and general layout; and (3) use and apply the program in teaching settings and patient care.

7:30 - 9:00 am
Academic Advancement as a Clinician-Educator: Translating Educational Initiatives into Outcomes-Evaluation and Publishing Strategies (Workshop)
This workshop will focus on the following topics: Evaluation of curricular initiatives, promotion and educational scholarship for clinician-educators and the key to successful publication of educational work. Learning objectives (1) describe the McGill experience of learning and evaluation; (2) discuss strategies for promotion and educational scholarship; (3) describe approaches for successful education and training manuscript submission and publication.

7:30 - 9:00 am
Pearls on Publishing and Reviewing Papers (Workshop)
This session will describe what types of papers are most appropriate for the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and how articles should be submitted. Presenters will provide information on how reviews are performed, what factors determine a "good" or "bad" paper, and how editors examine manuscripts to determine if they should be accepted or rejected. Learning objectives: (1) understand how manuscripts are processed in an editorial office; (2) describe elements or aspects of a paper that determine it to be rejected or accepted; and (3) describe the approach to reviewing a scientific article.

9:00 - 9:30 am
AGS Members Business Meeting

9:30 - 10:30 am
Henderson State-of-the-Art Lecture
Medication-Related Adverse Patient Events in Older Adults: A Fait Accompli or Public Health Crisis?
Joseph T. Hanlon, PharmD, MS, Professor of Pharmacy and Geriatric Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, a leading Research Health Scientist (Pittsburgh VA CHERP and GRECC) on the pharmacoepidemiology and health services interventions designed to improve drug therapy for older adults, is the 2007 recipient of the Edward Henderson Award. Dr. Hanlon's State-of-the-Art Lecture will focus on how often the three major types of medication related adverse patient events (adverse drug reactions, adverse drug withdrawal events and therapeutic failure) occur in older adults. He will review some successful and promising future approaches needed to reduce this public health crisis in older adults. Learning objectives: (1) list the types of medication related problems; (2) discuss the epidemiology of medication related adverse patient events; (3) critique previous research designed to reduce medication related adverse patient events; and (4) describe future approaches that may reduce medication related adverse patient events.

12:30 - 2:00 pm
E-Learning in Geriatrics (Special Interest Groups)
The e-learning special interest group (el-SIG) is working on developing, standardizing, sharing, using or evaluating e-learning resources in support of geriatrics blended learning instruction of health care professionals. It is important to begin this effort early and on a national scale in order to minimize duplicate effort. The goals of the group are designed to understand the current state of e-learning resources and how members use them. Furthermore, it will review materials to establish benchmark examples of e-learning content. The el-SIG will enlist a national group of users to participate in characterization of e-learning resources and the planning for a national strategy for growth in e-learning. Through the el-SIG faculty at schools of medicine and nursing will have access to e-learning resources and support for personal faculty development. The el-SIG will seek guidance from the AGS education committee and other AGS special interest groups.

3:00 - 4:30 pm
The ADGAP Status of Geriatric Workforce Study: Trends in U.S. Medical School Academic Programs: The Training of Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows, and the Clinical Practice of Geriatric Medicine
This program will present the most recent findings of the ADGAP Status of Geriatric Workforce Study, which has been collecting data on physician training and practice in geriatric medicine and demographic information regarding aging Americans since July 2000. Learning objectives: (1) discuss the findings from the ADGAP Status of Geriatric Workforce Study, and describe how this data can be used to guide societal perspectives and key policy issues; (2) describe the development of academic geriatric medicine programs at U.S. medical schools; (3) summarize trends in data related to physicians who provide health care to older Americans; and (4) relate the impact that funding from foundations, state and federal programs has had on geriatrics training of medical students, residents, and fellows to overall physician training and the implications of funding decreases.

3:00 - 4:30 pm
Research Programs and Issues Series - Multi-Component Intervention Trials: Design and Analysis Issues (Workshops)
Because geriatric syndromes are multi-factorial, researchers often wish to test multi-component interventions. However, these studies raise many methodologic issues. This symposium will present approaches to multi-component intervention trials using examples of studies by AGS members. Learning objectives: (1) describe the approach for selecting and prioritizing intervention components; (2) design a control intervention to minimize and measure contamination; (3) relate how issues related to sampling, blinding, and randomization differ from conventional intervention trials; and (4) anticipate analytical hazards and understand the limits of statistics in estimating the effect of individual components.

3:00 - 4:30 pm
Communicating With Members of Congress: A Workshop on Grassroots Advocacy (Workshops)
This workshop will focus on appropriate national and state or affiliate and local strategies that should be utilized to promote and foster legislation that is responsive to the needs of older adults and geriatric health care professionals. It will be an interactive workshop with a major focus on role modeling and simulated Congressional visits. Learning objectives: (1) understand the importance of grassroots participation in the legislative process; and (2) discuss how to serve as effective advocates for their profession and for older adults.

6:30 - 7:30 pm
American Geriatrics Society Presidential Reception
The Presidential Reception is a great opportunity to network with colleagues from across the county and around the world. Cocktails and light hors d'oeuvres will be served. Please join us!

8:00 - 10:00 pm
An Evening with Friends
Plan on joining the AGS leadership for An Evening with Friends, our annual benefit to support students in all health professions attending the annual meeting. This star-studded night of music, dance, and fun will feature Sally Brooks and Joe Ouslander as emcees and the following performers: Neil Alexander, the Blues Brothers, Sandra Clark, Toni Miles, Charles Mouton, Jim Pacala, Jim Powers, Miguel Paniagua, Ron Shorr, Phil Sloane, Eric Tangalos, and Darryl Wieland.

The Presidential Reception is a great opportunity to network with colleagues from across the county and around the world. Cocktails and light hors d'oeuvres will be served. Please join us!

8:00 - 10:00 pm
An Evening with Friends
Plan on joining the AGS leadership for An Evening with Friends, our annual benefit to support students in all health professions attending the annual meeting. This star-studded night of music, dance, and fun will feature Sally Brooks and Joe Ouslander as emcees and the following performers: Neil Alexander, the Blues Brothers, Sandra Clark, Toni Miles, Charles Mouton, Jim Pacala, Jim Powers, Miguel Paniagua, Ron Shorr, Phil Sloane, Eric Tangalos, and Darryl Wieland.

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FRIDAY, MAY 4

7:30 - 9:30 am
Academic Advancement as a Clinician-Educator: Teaching Skills Workshop-The One Minute Preceptor (Workshop)
Developed by the Teachers Section and the Education Committee.
This interactive workshop will focus on adapting the "One Minute Preceptor" teaching model to geriatrics education. Participants learn the teaching model and then have an opportunity to practice in small groups facilitated by leaders in geriatric education. Learning objectives (1) describe the 'One Minute Preceptor" teaching model; and (2) discuss how to modify and adapt the model to geriatric teaching sessions.

Fellows-in-Training Breakfast (ticketed session, no additional fee) (SECTION MEETING)
The annual Fellows-in-Training Breakfast will feature Dr. Sandra Moody-Ayers, who will give a talk entitled "Where Do We Go from Here: Life after Fellowship." The traditional roundtables will follow, giving attendees an opportunity to meet with leaders in geriatrics on a variety of topics such as job selection and balancing your personal and professional life.

9:30 - 10:00 am
AGS Awards Ceremony
The following awards will be presented:

The Hartford Geriatrics Health Outcomes Research Scholars Awards
Timothy D. Girard, MD
Supriya Gupta M. Mohile, MD, MS
Heather E. Whitson, MD
Brie Williams, MD, MSc

AGS Student Researcher Award
Adam Schickedanz, MS-II

Edward J. Henderson Student Award
Andrew D. McWilliams, MPH, MS-III

Merck New Investigator Awards
Cynthia M. Boyd, MD, MPH
Cynthia J. Brown, MD
Roee Holtzer, PhD
Prasad R. Padala, MD
Mara Ann Schonberg, MD, MPH
Heather E. Whitson, MD
Marsha N. Wittink, MD, MBE

Dennis W. Jahnigen Memorial Award
Steven R. Counsell, MD

Clinician of the Year Award
Rebecca D. Elon, MD, MPH

David H. Solomon Distinguished Public Service Award
Nora Gibson

Media Award
TBA

10:00 - 11:00 am
Public Policy Lecture

11:45 am - 1:15 pm
Poster Session C: Abstracts C1 - C
How to Survive the Current Research Funding "Drought": Inside Tips from Survivors of Previous Tough Times
Federal funding levels are currently the lowest they have been in nearly 2 decades. This program will consist of 3 successful senior faculty who have survived previous low funding cycles who will provide real-world advice based on their personal experiences and current leadership positions. Learning objectives: (1) provide concrete advice on how junior faculty doing aging-related research can continue to fund themselves despite the challenges of the current funding environment; (2) teach junior faculty how to come up with their own creative solutions for not only "staying alive" (i.e. staying employed in a research job) but also for moving their personal research agenda forward; and (3) provide an interactive format where junior faculty will have the opportunity to ask questions of successful senior faculty who have survived previous "droughts".

2:30 - 4:00 pm
Getting to Know the NIA: A Symposium for Go-Getters in Aging Research
This symposium will familiarize AGS members interested in careers in aging research with the latest updates from the National Institute on Aging and the National Institutes on Aging. Topics to be covered include an overview of the fiscal year 2007 budget, anticipated grant success rate and new initiatives to advance the science of aging and improve the health of our aging society. Emphasis will be on issues of importance to investigators early in their academic careers but information will be relevant to all AGS members in research. In addition to an overview, more in-depth information will be provided on recent changes in funding mechanisms and policies. Following the presentations, there will be roundtable break-out sessions to give current and prospective investigators an opportunity to get acquainted with NIA extramural program officers to discuss questions regarding research proposals and opportunities. Learning objectives: (1) describe current prospects for funding through the National Institutes of Health; (2) discuss recent policy changes which affect the funding environment; and (3) offer an opportunity for researchers to individually meet NIA program staff who can serve as resources in the NIA grant application process.

4:00 - 5:30 pm
Presidential Poster Session D & Awards Reception: Abstracts D1 - D
In addition to the many outstanding paper and poster sessions scheduled throughout the meeting, the Presidential Poster Session and Awards Reception features posters that received the highest rankings from abstract reviewers. A Presidential Poster Award will be presented in each abstract review category. Light refreshments will be served.

5:30 - 6:30 pm
AGS/SGIM Polypharmacy (SIG)
The AGS/SGIM Polypharmacy Special Interest Group is a collaborative effort of the two societies to address the issue of polypharmacy in older adults. Please join us for this inaugural meeting where we will discuss potential projects that the AGS and SGIM can collaborate on. Anyone with an interest in polypharmacy issues is invited to attend this meeting, which immediately precedes the SGIM SIG meeting.

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SATURDAY, MAY 5

7:30 - 9:00 am
Model Geriatric Programs: Geriatric Education Materials and Methods Swap (Workshop)
Developed by the Teachers Section and the Education Committee. Much of the work presented during this session was developed by grants from the John A. Hartford Foundation and Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.
This workshop presents a forum for teachers of geriatrics education to share topics and materials of common interest, such as program development, curriculum, and educational process and research in teaching and evaluation. Learning objective: (1) describe and exchange geriatrics education and teaching materials.

7:30 - 9:00 am
Teaching Physical Diagnosis in Older Adults (Workshop)
This skills workshop will focus on how to teach geriatric assessment to students and residents. Participants will learn techniques and pearls for teaching examination of: the jugular venus pulse; the shoulder and knee; motor strength and reflexes; gait and balance; and orthostatic changes in blood pressure. Learning objectives: (1) update teaching techniques for assessing geriatric patients; (2) update evidence base supporting these techniques; and (3) develop ''train the trainer'' approach for participant's home institution.

9:30 - 11:00 am
Teachers Networking Session (Section Meeting)
Current and new members of the AGS with special interest in teaching are invited to attend this meeting. Plans for next year's annual meeting section-sponsored program will be discussed.

11:15 am - 12:45 pm
Research Programs and Issues Series: Demystifying the NIH Funding Process (Workshop)
The goal of the session is to teach AGS members how to think about the things that go into a successful NIH application other than how to write a scientifically compelling proposal. This is intended to be an insiders' guide to getting funded in which we discuss tricks of the trade in order to demystify what can be a very mystifying process. Learning Objectives: (1) describe processes and activities that must take place in the phases of grant writing.

12:45 - 2:45 pm
Residents Luncheon
All residents are encouraged to attend this new special interest group meeting. A number of topics will be discussed by a panel of residents from Baystate Medical Center. Come and meet other residents and discuss your own ideas about the field and ways to get more involved in AGS.

12:45 - 2:45 pm
Junior Faculty Research Career Development SIG & Workshop on Funding Your Work
This round-table discussion is intended to foster the research interests and career development of junior faculty, fellows, and students by introducing one or more senior faculty and leaders of certain research fields in geriatric medicine to them for an open discussion.

4:45 - 6:15 pm
Geriatrics Jeopardy (Plenary Symposium)
Faculty: Rainier P. Soriano, MD; Sandra Bellantonio, MD; Arnulfo Deray, MD; Gail M. Sullivan, MD, MPH; Audrey K. Chun, MD; Helen M. Fernandez, MD, MPH This session will have several teams of house officers competing in ''jeopardy'' quiz show format to show their knowledge of current articles in the geriatric literature. Learning objectives: (1) identify at least 4 recent advances in general geriatrics, falls and palliative medicine; (2) list at least four important developments in screening and prevention and musculoskeletal disease and exercise that are relevant for the care of elders; (3) describe at least four recent advances in dementia, delirium, depression and cardiovascular medicine important for the care of geriatric patients; and (4) emphasize to residents that geriatrics is exciting and has a growing knowledge base while convincing faculty that house officers can be motivated and enthusiastic about learning geriatrics.

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Sessions of Interest to Clinician Educators:

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2

10:00 am - 5:30 pm
PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION: Fellowship Director's Pre-Conference Course
Additional fee session: $85
This program is largely intended for new fellowship directors but experienced fellowship directors may benefit as well. The program will include presentations from FM and IM RRC members, the ADGAP SIG Business Meeting, an introduction to the soon to be published Fellowship Director Manual, and concurrent afternoon breakout sessions. Learning objectives: (1) identify and discuss the ACGME fellowship program requirements for family medicine and internal medicine based programs; (2) introduce and discuss the newly published Geriatrics Fellowship Director Manual; (3) develop competency-based goals, objectives and competency-based evaluation strategies; and (4) discuss the role of fellowship director as a career mentor and be introduced teaching fellows how to develop an academic portfolio.

1:00 - 5:30 pm
Challenge Your Geriatrics Knowledge
Additional fee session: $235 (includes a discounted copy ($75 off list price) of the CD-ROM version of the Sixth Edition of the Geriatrics Review Syllabus)
During this interactive session, participants will review and update their geriatrics knowledge at this pre-conference session. The 4.5 hour format will provide an updated overview of evidence-based care for geriatric patients. The audience will actively participate in the session through a question and answer format that is based on the latest edition of the Geriatrics Review Syllabus (GRS). Learning objective: (1) identify recent advances in geriatric medicine through the modality of case-based questions.

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THURSDAY, MAY 3

7:30 - 9:00 am
Using the PDA Version of Geriatrics at Your Fingertips (GAYF) in Teaching
Additional fee session: $25
This session will provide information on using the PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) version of Geriatrics at Your Fingertips and will explain how to apply in teaching sessions and patient care. Learning objectives: (1) describe how to obtain and install the program on their PDA (Personal Digital Assistants); (2) discuss the basic aspects of the program including organization and general layout; and (3) use and apply the program in teaching settings and patient care.

7:30 - 9:00 am
Workshop: Academic Advancement as a Clinician-Educator: Translating Educational Initiatives into Outcomes-Evaluation and Publishing Strategies
This workshop will focus on the following topics: Evaluation of curricular initiatives, promotion and educational scholarship for clinician-educators and the key to successful publication of educational work. Learning objectives (1) describe the McGill experience of learning and evaluation; (2) discuss strategies for promotion and educational scholarship; (3) describe approaches for successful education and training manuscript submission and publication.

12:30 - 2:00 pm
Special Interest Group: E-Learning in Geriatrics
The e-learning special interest group (el-SIG) is working on developing, standardizing, sharing, using or evaluating e-learning resources in support of geriatrics blended learning instruction of health care professionals. It is important to begin this effort early and on a national scale in order to minimize duplicate effort. The goals of the group are designed to understand the current state of e-learning resources and how members use them. Furthermore, it will review materials to establish benchmark examples of e-learning content. The el-SIG will enlist a national group of users to participate in characterization of e-learning resources and the planning for a national strategy for growth in e-learning. Through the el-SIG faculty at schools of medicine and nursing will have access to e-learning resources and support for personal faculty development. The el-SIG will seek guidance from the AGS education committee and other AGS special interest groups.

3:00 - 4:30 pm
Special Interest Group: The ADGAP Status of Geriatric Workforce Study: Trends in U.S. Medical School Academic Programs: The Training of Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows, and the Clinical Practice of Geriatric Medicine
This program will present the most recent findings of the ADGAP Status of Geriatric Workforce Study, which has been collecting data on physician training and practice in geriatric medicine and demographic information regarding aging Americans since July 2000. Learning objectives: (1) discuss the findings from the ADGAP Status of Geriatric Workforce Study, and describe how this data can be used to guide societal perspectives and key policy issues; (2) describe the development of academic geriatric medicine programs at U.S. medical schools; (3) summarize trends in data related to physicians who provide health care to older Americans; and (4) relate the impact that funding from foundations, state and federal programs has had on geriatrics training of medical students, residents, and fellows to overall physician training and the implications of funding decreases.

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FRIDAY, MAY 4

7:30 - 9:30 am
(Workshop) Academic Advancement as a Clinician-Educator: Teaching Skills Workshop-The One Minute Preceptor
This interactive workshop will focus on adapting the "One Minute Preceptor" teaching model to geriatrics education. Participants learn the teaching model and then have an opportunity to practice in small groups facilitated by leaders in geriatric education. Learning objectives (1) describe the 'One Minute Preceptor" teaching model; and (2) discuss how to modify and adapt the model to geriatric teaching sessions.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
Society for General Internal Medicine Geriatrics (SGIM) (Special Interest Group)
The Society for General Internal Medicine Geriatrics Special Interest Group has traditionally been a source of collaborative activity between AGS and SGIM. This interest group will focus on ways to collaborate on developing workshops for the 2007 annual meetings of both societies as well as fostering ongoing collaborative efforts between the two groups. We welcome researchers, clinicians, and educators to our meeting.

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SATURDAY, MAY 5

7:30 - 9:00 am
Model Geriatric Programs: Geriatric Education Materials and Methods Swap (Workshop)
Much of the work presented during this session was developed by grants from the John A. Hartford Foundation and Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.
This workshop presents a forum for teachers of geriatrics education to share topics and materials of common interest, such as program development, curriculum, and educational process and research in teaching and evaluation. Learning objective: (1) describe and exchange geriatrics education and teaching materials.

7:30 - 9:00 am
Teaching Physical Diagnosis in Older Adults (Workshop)
Moderator: Marie A. Bernard, MD
This skills workshop will focus on how to teach geriatric assessment to students and residents. Participants will learn techniques and pearls for teaching examination of: the jugular venus pulse; the shoulder and knee; motor strength and reflexes; gait and balance; and orthostatic changes in blood pressure. Learning objectives: (1) update teaching techniques for assessing geriatric patients; (2) update evidence base supporting these techniques; and (3) develop ''train the trainer'' approach for participant's home institution.

7:30 - 9:00 am
Starting a Palliative Care Program in Your Hospital: What Geriatricians Need to Know (Workshop)
Due to the central importance of palliative care for care of older adults with serious illness, geriatricians are increasingly asking how to start palliative care programs in their hospitals and departments. This hands-on learning session will help you navigate the critical steps in starting a palliative care program in your institution.
Learning objectives: (1) identify practical methods and the latest data to demonstrate administrative, clinical and financial benefits of a palliative care program; (2) explore proven "tools of the trades" for implementing and sustaining a successful palliative care program; and (3) identify strategies for getting referrals, documenting care, collecting data, evaluating satisfaction, and demonstrating financial impact.

9:30 - 11:00 am
Teachers Networking Session (Section Meeting)
Room:
Chair: Annette Medina-Walpole MD
Current and new members of the AGS with special interest in teaching are invited to attend this meeting. Plans for next year's annual meeting section-sponsored program will be discussed.

4:45 - 6:15 pm
Geriatrics Jeopardy (Plenary Symposium
) This session will have several teams of house officers competing in ''jeopardy'' quiz show format to show their knowledge of current articles in the geriatric literature. Learning objectives: (1) identify at least 4 recent advances in general geriatrics, falls and palliative medicine; (2) list at least four important developments in screening and prevention and musculoskeletal disease and exercise that are relevant for the care of elders; (3) describe at least four recent advances in dementia, delirium, depression and cardiovascular medicine important for the care of geriatric patients; and (4) emphasize to residents that geriatrics is exciting and has a growing knowledge base while convincing faculty that house officers can be motivated and enthusiastic about learning geriatrics.

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NEW Special Interest Groups at the May 2007 AGS Annual Meeting in Seattle

The AGS adds 3 new Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to its May Annual Meeting schedule. This year's new SIGs include:

Disaster Planning and Preparedness

Please see below for this year's schedule of Special Interest Groups (SIGs), including the 3 new SIGs.

Special Interest Groups
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

5:45 - 7:00 pm
The Cochrane Collaboration: Health Care of Older People Field
Convention Center, Room: 304
Chairs: Gilbert Ramirez, PhD; Shelley de la Vega, MD, MSc; David James Stott, MD; Susan Bravard
Visit with the Health Care of Older People Field to learn how you can participate with this international organization. A brief overview of The Cochrane Collaboration will be provided followed by a discussion of what and how the Health Care of Older People Field can best support your evidence-based needs.

5:45 - 7:00 pm
Health Care Systems
Convention Center, Room: 309
Chairs: Robert Schreiber, MD and Rosemary Laird, MD
For many of us, making medical decisions is the easy part; dealing with the health care system is what makes our professional lives challenging. The Health Care Systems SIG is committed to improving health care systems to more effectively meet the needs of older adults and their caregivers. We also strive to support the effectiveness of geriatric providers within health care systems. For professionals concerned about the future of health care for older adults, this is the SIG to become involved with now. All interested health care practitioners, no matter where they practice in the health care continuum, are encouraged to come and share their time and talents.

5:45 - 7:00 pm
Long-term Care
Convention Center, Room: 3A/B
Chair: Deborah W. Robin, MD & Jean K. Pals, RN,BC, BSN
The SIG on Long-Term Care (SIG on LTC) is a resource and active voice to the AGS, the public, healthcare practitioners, policy makers and educational centers regarding issues on the availability, delivery, quality and regulation of LTC in the US. All members of the SIG on LTC are urged to attend as well as other interested AGS members who wish to join.

5:45 - 7:00 pm
Palliative Care
Convention Center, Room: 303
Chair: David J. Casarett, MD, MA
The Palliative Care SIG promotes awareness of palliative care issues in the Geriatrics community and identifies and builds on synergies that exist between geriatrics and palliative care.

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THURSDAY, MAY 3

7:30 - 9:00 am
Acute Hospital Care
Convention Center, Room: 304
Chair: Robert M. Palmer, MD, MPH
The mission of the Acute Hospital Care Special Interest Group is to improve the outcomes of hospitalization of elderly patients through improvements in clinical care, dissemination of research findings and promotion of health professional education. Innovative approaches to acute hospital care are discussed at AGS meetings. The SIG meeting is open to all AGS participants.

7:30 - 9:00 am
Elder Abuse and Neglect
Convention Center, Room: 307
Chair: Carmel B. Dyer, MD
The Elder Abuse and Neglect SIG is an interdisciplinary group of gerontologic professionals whose interests lie in the prevention and intervention of elder mistreatment. The group's agenda includes the advancement of clinical, education and research issues.

7:30 - 9:00 am
Veterans Health Administration
Convention Center, Room: 308
Co-Chairs: Thomas Edes, MD and Kenneth Shay, DDS
All VHA staff attending the AGS Annual Meeting are invited to participate in this special meeting, which will be co-chaired by Drs. Tom Edes and Ken Shay of the Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care, VA Central Office. Announcements and key issues relating to geriatrics and extended care clinical programs and to research and education initiatives will be discussed in an open forum.

12:30 - 2:00 pm
Cancer and Aging
Convention Center, Room: 201
Co-Chairs: Arash Naeim, MD, PhD, & Arti Hurria, MD
The Cancer and Aging Special Interest Group is an interdisciplinary assemblage of geriatric, gerontologic, and oncologic professionals whose collective mission is to: (1) promote multidisciplinary-centered cancer prevention, assessment, and management of older adults; (2) promote education and training in geriatric oncology concepts; (3) promote research in geriatric oncology; (4) facilitate linkages among those organizations and institutions which serve or focus upon geriatric and/or oncologic causes; and (5) champion and advocate for those elders and their families who are impacted by cancer.

12:30 - 2:00 pm
E-Learning in Geriatrics
Convention Center, Room: 310
Chair: Jorge Ruiz, MD
The e-learning special interest group (el-SIG) is working on developing, standardizing, sharing, using or evaluating e-learning resources in support of geriatrics blended learning instruction of health care professionals. It is important to begin this effort early and on a national scale in order to minimize duplicate effort. The goals of the group are designed to understand the current state of e-learning resources and how members use them. Furthermore, it will review materials to establish benchmark examples of e-learning content. The el-SIG will enlist a national group of users to participate in characterization of e-learning resources and the planning for a national strategy for growth in e-learning. Through the el-SIG faculty at schools of medicine and nursing will have access to e-learning resources and support for personal faculty development. The el-SIG will seek guidance from the AGS education committee and other AGS special interest groups.

12:30 - 2:00 pm
Medical Humanities NEW
Convention Center, Room:
Chair: Louise Aronson, MD, MFA
The Medical Humanities Special Interest Group aims to use the humanities to illuminate medical practice and illness experiences in ways inaccessible via traditional methods of scientific inquiry. Drawing on both the content and methods of literature, creative and reflective writing, film studies, history, philosophy, cultural studies, and the visual arts, we hope to foster a new and productive discourse on the social and moral issues that arise daily in our clinical work and teaching about the care of older adults.

3:00 - 4:30 pm
Geriatric Dermatology NEW
Convention Center, Room: 310
Chairs: Barney Spivack, MD & Robert Norman, DO
Geriatrics health professionals from diverse environments of care are often confronted with evaluation and management of dermatologic disease and can provide guidance in the prevention of age-related and other skin disease. This group will bring together geriatrics clinicians, researchers, and other professionals with the common goals of professional education and evidence-based guideline development for the prevention and therapy of dermatologic disease, sharing of best clinical practices, clinical research and development, and improved quality of life for older adults. This SIG will create a link between the AGS and the professional dermatologic community including the American Academy of Dermatology and the International Society of Geriatric Dermatology.

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FRIDAY, MAY 4

7:30 - 9:00 am
Family Physicians in Geriatrics
Convention Center, Room: 306
Chair: Erik J. Lindbloom, MD, MSPH
This Special Interest Group is devoted to discussing and acting on issues of concern to family physicians caring for older adults. Issues pertinent to family medicine fellows and residents are also of interest. This group works in collaboration with the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Group on Geriatrics.

7:30 - 9:00 am
Geriatrics Consultative Services
Convention Center, Room: 304
Chair: Taryn Lee, MD
This meeting is open to anyone who provides or is interested in providing geriatric medicine consultative services. Participants will have an opportunity to learn from other practitioners how geriatrics consultative services are provided in various clinical settings. Discussion topics will include the extent to which our services are in demand; types of patients whom we are asked to see; various collaborative efforts with other services; billing processes and concerns; incorporating geriatrics teaching within the consultative setting; and types of problems we encounter. The session's goal will be to generate an exchange of ideas and experiences that will allow practitioners to provide more effective geriatrics consultation services.

7:30 - 9:00 am
Healthcare for Low-Income Seniors
Convention Center, Room: 305
Chair: Steven R. Counsell, MD
The mission of the Healthcare for Low-Income Seniors AGS Special Interest Group is to improve the quality and outcomes of healthcare and maximize independence among low-income seniors by bringing together geriatrics professionals dedicated to the care of the poor, disseminating practical solutions and innovative geriatrics team care models, and advocating for public policy change to better address the needs of this population.

Managing Medicaid Managed Community Long-Term Care: The New York State Experience
Fredrick T. Sherman, MD, MSc

Nurse Care Management in Community Special Needs Plans: Challenges in Providing Medical and Social Support to Poor Members
James O. Judge, MD & Barbara M. Bosso, RN, BSN

Financially Sustainable Geriatrics Clinical Services in Public Hospitals and Health Systems
James W. Campbell, MD, MS

12:45 - 2:15 pm
Private Practice Providers in Geriatrics
Convention Center, Room: 211
Co-Chairs: Cheryl Woodson, MD & Michael Wasserman, MD
Discuss challenges and share success strategies with other geriatricians who have chosen to serve seniors through private practice. Topics will include: patient flow and practice management, billing and reimbursement, staffing, alternate revenue streams, marketing, institutional LTC or not, and comprehensive geriatrics assessment. Please feel free to bring other issues to discuss.

5:30 - 6:30 pm
AGS/SGIM Polypharmacy
Convention Center, Room: 211
Chair: Michael Steinman, MD
The AGS/SGIM Polypharmacy Special Interest Group is a collaborative effort of the two societies to address the issue of polypharmacy in older adults. Please join us for this meeting where we will discuss potential projects that the AGS and SGIM can collaborate on. Anyone with an interest in polypharmacy issues is invited to attend this meeting, which immediately precedes the SGIM SIG meeting.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
Clinical Research in Dementia
Convention Center, Room: 305
Chair: Malaz Boustani, MD
The aim of the Special Interest Group on Clinical Research in Dementia (SIG-CRD) is to bring together AGS members who are dedicated to advancing the health care of older adults suffering from dementia by advancing clinical research in geriatrics, across disciplines and care settings. In addition the SIG-CRD aims to disseminate interdisciplinary, evidence-based clinical knowledge about the management of dementia in older adults. This meeting will feature a round-table discussion on the current controversies in dementia research and clinical care. We will focus on the complexity of managing aggression related to dementia at primary care, long-term care, and non-psychiatric hospital settings.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
Disaster Planning and Preparedness NEW
Convention Center, Room: 303
Chair: Charles A. Cefalu, MD, MS
This new SIG will provide up-to-date, accurate, and useful information as well as guidance to all geriatric healthcare professionals regarding disaster planning and preparedness. It is open to health professionals who work with older adults in all geriatric health care sites, including acute, long term care, rehabilitation, and home settings.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
Ethnogeriatrics
Convention Center, Room: 211
Chair: Upinder Singh, MD, CMD, AGSF, FACP
This meeting is open to anyone with an interest in the relationship between aging, ethnicity and community research teams. Participants will find out what projects are being developed by the Ethnogeriatrics Committee and offer suggestions for future AGS symposia, and are welcome to bring any new ideas to this meeting. The group's endeavors are to find out challenges and practical solutions to providing appropriate care to different cultures and ethnicities in our diverse country.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
International Activities
Convention Center, Room: 201
Chair: Liliana Oakes, MD
Any member with an interest in the development of international activities within the AGS should attend this meeting. The agenda will include a discussion of the proposed international symposium of aging around the world for the 2008 meeting. Issues of concern to the members of this SIG will also be addressed at that time.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
Mentoring
Convention Center, Room: 204
Chairs: Rebecca Silliman, MD, Stephanie A. Studenski, MD, MPH and Kenneth Schmader, MD
Mentoring is critical to the development of new professionals in geriatrics. While a knowledgeable and experienced mentor is invaluable, mentoring skills are not necessarily innate and must be developed and continuously refined. In addition, the mentoring needs of various trainees are heterogeneous, and mentoring must be individualized. The mission of the Mentoring SIG is to promote knowledge and skills about mentoring. This meeting, sponsored by the AGS Research Committee, will follow-up on past SIG meetings to discuss mentoring issues and develop SIG activities and topics, such as sharing successful mentoring strategies, performing research about mentoring and evaluation of mentoring effectiveness, of mutual benefit to senior and junior faculty.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases
Convention Center, Room: 210
Chair: Kenneth W. Lyles, MD
Supported by an educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc.
The Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases Special Interest Group (SIG) will meet to discuss future strategies to promote improved education and care with regards to bone loss in older adults. The meeting agenda will include developing a symposium topic for the 2008 meeting and establishing leadership for that program. Other agenda items will include venues for increased communication during the year among the SIG membership, other projects that may be useful in promoting better bone health among seniors, and clarification of the SIG's mission and goals. Anyone interested in participating in the Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases SIG is invited to attend the meeting.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
Public Education
Convention Center, Room: 301
Chair: Moira Fordyce, MB ChB, MD, FRCPE
This SIG meeting will address how different groups in the community can combine forces on Public Education, and work effectively with senior centers and volunteer organizations.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
Rehabilitation
Convention Center, Room: 306
Chair: Neil Nusbaum, MD, JD
The Rehabilitation Special Interest Group has focused on topics of particular interest to those addressing the rehabilitative needs of frail older adults. The Rehabilitation SIG meeting program will include speakers on the topic of frailty (its measurement, and its rehabilitation), consistent with that focus.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
Society for General Internal Medicine Geriatrics (SGIM)
Convention Center, Room: 304
Chair: Hollis Day, MD, MS
The Society for General Internal Medicine Geriatrics Special Interest Group has traditionally been a source of collaborative activity between AGS and SGIM. This interest group will focus on ways to collaborate on developing workshops for the 2008 annual meetings of both societies as well as fostering ongoing collaborative efforts and better communication between the two groups. We welcome researchers, clinicians, and educators at all levels of training and expertise to our meeting.

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SATURDAY, MAY 5

7:30 - 9:00 am
Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
Convention Center, Room: 303
Chair: Sharon K. Inouye, MD, MPH
The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is an innovative model of hospital care designed to prevent delirium and functional decline and to improve overall quality of hospital care for older persons. The mission and goal of this SIG is to allow all current and potentially interested HELP sites to come together to discuss successes and challenges in the implementation process. A new HELP website (funded by the National Library of Medicine) was implemented to try to meet the needs of HELP sites nationally and internationally. At this SIG, we will discuss the progress on our HELP collaborative paper, as well as the latest updates on the website. We hope to gain feedback on both projects. All current HELP sites, and anyone interested in learning more about HELP are encouraged to participate. You need not have an active HELP site to participate, just an interest in improving hospital care for older persons.

7:30 - 9:00 am
Information Technology Issues
Convention Center, Room: 307
Chair: F. Michael Gloth, III, MD
The Information Technology (IT) Issues Special Interest Group (IT Issues SIG) represents members of the American Geriatrics Society who see Electronic Health Records (EHR) as a means for improving medical care by reducing error rates, improving efficiency, augmenting communication, facilitating optimal reimbursement and decreasing expenses. The mission of the IT Issues SIG is to provide a venue for members with an active interest in Electronic Health Records to review new EHR developments, provide input into the progress of EHR in the area of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, and to facilitate communication regarding EHR. The goals of the IT Issues SIG for the 2007 meeting are to 1) to identify interested persons and establish a contact a contact list, 2) to develop a framework for a symposium for the 2008 meeting and 3) to discuss presentations at the 2007 AGS meeting. Further discussion will address problems the current status of EHR nationwide and regionally with an emphasis on efforts underway to institute national standards and concerns about LTC. Additionally, the future role of the IT Issues SIG with regards to potential funding available to the AGS in this arena, a possible vendor event, and the leadership role of AGS regarding EHR in healthcare nationally.

3:00 - 4:30 pm
Health Professional Students
Convention Center, Room: 304
Chair: Joy G. Bang
All health professional students are encouraged to attend this special interest group meeting. Come and meet other students, discuss your own ideas about the field and future career opportunities.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
DOs in Geriatrics
Convention Center, Room: 305
Chair: Janice Knebl, DO, MBA
The DO's at the AGS SIG is a special interest group of osteopathic geriatricians that provides a forum for networking and discussion about the opportunities in geriatric medicine within the osteopathic profession and at the osteopathic medical schools. Come meet and engage in conversation with your osteopathic geriatrician colleagues for a lively discussion.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
Needs of Older Gay and Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Persons
Convention Center, Room: 303
Chair: David O. Staats, MD
Geriatrics has not yet fully considered the needs of older gay and lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons. This interest group intends to initiate a more formal analysis and observation of these needs. This SIG meeting is open to all AGS participants.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Convention Center, Room: 210
Chair: Melinda Lee, MD
This session is aimed at those who are in the early phase of PACE (Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly) development, may be considering the establishment of a PACE program, or have an interest in the provision of primary care within PACE. This comprehensive, fully integrated model provides community-based care for the frail elderly. We encourage anyone with questions to come and explore why this model has become so successful.

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• Discounted meeting registration fee
  
  
• Your meeting badge and tickets for special events will be mailed to you before the meeting and you will avoid long lines in Seattle to process your registration
  
  
• Tickets for Pre-conference sessions, Meet-the-experts and Workshops are available now, but they are going fast. Sessions may be sold-out if you wait to register on-site.
  
  

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Sessions of Interest to Researchers
In addition to the 8 paper sessions and 4 poster sessions scheduled during the meeting (see schedule below), all researchers are encouraged to attend the NIA symposium:

Getting to Know the NIA: A Symposium for Go-Getters in Aging Research
Friday, May 4 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm

Description: To familiarize AGS members interested in careers in aging research with the latest updates from the National Institute on Aging and the National Institutes on Aging. Topics to be covered include an overview of the fiscal year 2007 budget, anticipated grant success rate and new initiatives to advance the science of aging and improve the health of our aging society. Emphasis will be on issues of importance to investigators early in their academic careers but information will be relevant to all AGS members in research. In addition to an overview, more in-depth information will be provided on recent changes in funding mechanisms and policies. Following the presentations, there will be roundtable break-out sessions to give current and prospective investigators an opportunity to get acquainted with NIA extramural program officers to discuss questions regarding research proposals and opportunities.

Objectives:

• to update aging and geriatric researchers on current prospects for funding through the National Institutes of Health
• to provide information on recent policy changes which affect the funding environment.
• to offer an opportunity for researchers to individually meet NIA program staff who can serve as resources in the NIA grant application process.

Faculty:

Overview: Judith A. Salerno, MD, MS, Deputy Director, NIA

Updates on Funding Policies: Robin A. Barr, D. Phil., Acting Director for Extramural Activities, NIA

Roundtables:

Evan Hadley, MD, Director, Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology Program, NIA

Susan Nayfield, MD, Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology Program, NIA

Additional NIA staff TBD

In addition, the following sessions may be of interest to researchers:

Thursday, May 3

12:30 - 2:00 pm
The Metabolic Syndrome: A Cause of Cognitive Decline and Dementia?
This symposium will discuss the evidence linking the metabolic syndrome to cognitive decline and dementia. Established researchers with multidisciplinary backgrounds in geriatrics, will present a cutting edge overview of the most recent advances in this field, which links the metabolic syndrome/cardiovascular risk factors with neurodegenerative disease.

3:00 - 4:30 pm
Research Programs and Issues Series - Multi-Component Intervention Trials: Design and Analysis Issues
Because geriatric syndromes are multi-factorial, researchers often wish to test multi-component interventions. However, these studies raise many methodologic issues. This symposium will present approaches to multi-component intervention trials using examples of studies by AGS members.

Friday, May 4

12:45 - 2:15 pm
How to Survive the Current Research Funding "Drought": Inside Tips from Survivors of Previous Tough Times
Federal funding levels are currently the lowest they have been in nearly 2 decades. This program will consist of 3 successful senior faculty who have survived previous low funding cycles who will provide real-world advice based on their personal experiences and current leadership positions.

12:45 - 2:15 pm
Research Programs and Issues Series: Use of VA Databases in Geriatric Research
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) maintains a number of databases that comprehensively describe the health status and health care utilization of a large number of aging veterans. Information potentially available includes diagnoses, laboratory results, medications, and health status. These databases are a valuable tool for geriatric researchers, particularly for junior investigators planning their initial studies.

2:30 - 4:00 pm
New Frontiers in Geriatrics: The Jahnigen and Williams Awardees Report on Research Leading to Improved Care by Surgical and Medical Subspecialists
This symposium will highlight the research supported by the Dennis W. Jahnigen and T. Franklin Williams Career Development Awards Programs, which support research on older patients who are cared for by the targeted disciplines.

Saturday, May 5

7:30 - 9:00 am
Research in Elder Mistreatment: Challenges and Solutions
This workshop will focus on challenges commonly faced by elder mistreatment researchers, including methodological issues.

9:30 - 11:00 am
The Answer May be Out There: A Young Investigator's Guide to Existing Datasets in Aging
The purpose of the session is to de-mystify the process of identifying and using existing datasets of special relevance to clinical researchers in aging. The studies to be featured include: The Health ABC study, the CHS Study, The AGES Study, and datasets available from NCHS.

11:15 am - 12:45 pm
Research Programs and Issues Series: Demystifying the NIH Funding Process
The goal of the session is to teach AGS members how to think about the things that go into a successful NIH application other than how to write a scientifically compelling proposal. This is intended to be an insiders' guide to getting funded in which we discuss tricks of the trade in order to demystify what can be a very mystifying process.

12:45 - 2:45 pm
Junior Faculty Research Career Development SIG & Workshop: A Round-Table Discussion between Senior Leaders and Young Talents in Geriatrics
This round-table discussion is intended to foster the research interests and career development of junior faculty, fellows, and students by introducing one or more senior faculty and leaders of certain areas in geriatric medicine and aging research to them for an open discussion.

3:00 - 4:30 pm
The Sarcopenia Myth - Body Composition and Disability
Sarcopenia or the age-related loss of muscle mass has been hypothesized to be a major factor contributing to physical decline and disability in old age. The purpose of the program is to review recent research progress on sarcopenia, including the history of the concept, evolving definitions and progress with interventions.

3:00 - 4:30 pm
Alzheimer's Disease: Progress and Potential
In this symposium, present and past Beeson scholars will discuss recent research findings in the field of Alzheimer's disease prevention, diagnosis and management.

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PAPER AND POSTER SESSIONS

THURSDAY, MAY 3
Paper Session: Ethics & Quality of Life
7:30 am - 9:00 am

Plenary Paper Session
10:30 am - 11:30 am

Poster Session A: Abstracts A1 - A142
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Paper Session: Organ Specific and Systemic Disorders & Biology of Aging
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Poster Session B: Abstracts B1 - B142
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Paper Session: Health Services & Policy Research
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

FRIDAY, MAY 4
Poster Session C: Abstracts C1 - C149
11:45 am - 1:15 pm

Paper Session: Geriatric Education
12:45 pm - 2:15 pm

Presidential Poster Session D: Abstracts D1 - D159
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

SATURDAY, MAY 5
Paper Session: Epidemiology
9:30 am - 11:00 am

Paper Session: Neurological & Behavioral Sciences
11:15 am - 12:45 pm

Paper Session: Research on Geriatric Syndromes
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Meet-the-Expert Sessions

We are very excited about the Meet-the-Expert sessions planned for this year's annual meeting in Seattle. These popular sessions allow participants to discuss current important topics in geriatrics with experts in small group settings. Below is a complete list of all the Meet-the-Expert sessions. Please note that there is an additional $25 fee to attend these sessions. Meet-the-Expert sessions have limited space and are usually sold out during pre-registration. Don't wait until you get onsite to try to register for these sessions - register now to reserve your seat!

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2006
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

CPT Coding: Basic Principles and Practice
Peter Hollmann, MD

Challenges and Even Opportunities: The Revised Incontinence F315
Tag for Nursing Homes Catherine E. DuBeau, MD

Using the PDA Version of GAYF in Teaching
Fred A. Kobylarz, MD, MPH

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2006
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

COVE-PIM
Rebecca A. Silliman, MD, PhD & Lorna A. Lynn, MD

The Older Drinker - How Much is Too Much?
Alison A. Moore, MD, MPH

Clinical Concerns for Placing PEG Tubes in Patients with Advanced Dementia
Speaker to be announced

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2006
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Treating Symptoms at the End of Life
Christine S. Ritchie, MD, MSPH

Part D for Dummies
Michael Anderson, PharmD

Want to see a real Seattle icon? 13 Coins is a must stop during your Seattle visit. Stop by Seattle's only 24-hour gourmet restaurant and choose from a huge variety of continental cuisine. Serving since 1967, Saveur Magazine named 13 Coins "most entertaining restaurant seat worldwide" and The Food Network says 13 Coins is in their "Top Five." 13 Coins: the show is in the food! Call 206-682-2513 for more information.

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Visit the Pacific Science Center! The Pacific Science Center features five buildings of interactive science exhibits, a tropical Butterfly House, two IMAX theatres (one with IMAX 3D technology), a planetarium and laser light shows. The Center is located under the five white arches near the Space Needle in Seattle. It is open Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Please call 206-443-2001 for more information.

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Care for a night at the opera? Marion Oliver McCaw Hall at Seattle Center is the region's new premier performance hall. In Marion Oliver McCaw Hall at the Seattle Center you can see the Seattle Opera's performance of La Boheme! La Boheme runs from May 5, 2007 to May 19, 2007. Call 206-684-7200 for tickets and for more information.

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Find good eats… and good beer at The Pike Pub and Brewery! Awarded one of the Top Ten Breweries in the World at the World Beer Championships, voted Seattle's Best Pub by readers of Where Magazine, and voted 'Best Pub' Seattle Citysearch users poll. The Pike Pub has eclectic and traditional Pub fare, award winning micro brews and Seattle's best import beer list. Enjoy a full spirits bar, ventilated cigar room, billiards and activity room, as well as nonsmoking dining. Located just steps south of the world famous Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. Open 11:00am daily. Call 206-622-6044 for more information or for reservations.

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