A near record 2,700 geriatrics health care providers, researchers and educators gathered in Seattle in May for the AGS' 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting.

More than 600 geriatrics researchers and clinicians presented cutting-edge scientific papers and posters, symposia, core curriculum sessions, and workshops during the meeting, which ran May 2 through 6.

Highlights of the event included the State-of-the-Art, Outstanding Scientific Achievement for Clinical Investigation Award, and Public Policy lectures. Dr. Joseph Hanlon, winner of the 2007 Henderson State-of-the-Art Award, delivered the first, on medication-related adverse events in older patients. Outstanding Scientific Achievement for Clinical Investigation Award-winner Dr. Eric Coleman lectured on new approaches to improving the quality of care transitions. To a packed house, Dr. Peter Hollmann delivered the Public Policy address, "How Physicians Get Paid By Medicare: Past, Present and Future."

Among the many well attended sessions were symposia exploring cutting-edge evidence linking the metabolic syndrome to cognitive decline and dementia; and the role of multidisciplinary teams in addressing elder mistreatment. An open conversation regarding policy with clinical leaders from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and an overview of NIA research initiatives, funding and training opportunities also drew crowds. So did the meetings' eight paper and four poster sessions, the Presidential Reception and annual Evening With Friends benefit for the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging's Student Researcher Fund.