Geriatric Medicine

4 credits · School of Medicine

1) Course Goals: Primary - To enable the student to become familiar with the principles of caring for the geriatric patient. Secondary - To familiarize the student with the physiology and diseases of aging. (2) How Goals Are Achieved: This elective is offered by the interdisciplinary faculty of the Division of Geriatric Medicine. The student works with faculty, fellows, advanced practice providers and house staff in a number of settings involved in the care of the geriatric patient. These include the Geriatric Evaluation and Treatment Clinic (Duke), Geriatrics Consultation Service (Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital), The Forest at Duke Clinic, Community Living Center (Durham VA Medical Center) and other subspecialty clinics. Principles to be stressed are biology and pathophysiology of aging, multiple clinical problems in the elderly, interdisciplinary team approach to evaluation, planning and treatment, goals of maximal functional achievement and independence for the elderly. Specific clinical problems that students encounter include dementia, delirium, polypharmacy, gait instability and falls, urinary incontinence, pressure sores, and chronic pain. The student participates actively in the work-up and management of patients inpatient extended care and outpatient settings. Familiarity with the growing literature in geriatric medicine is encouraged. The student participates in seminars, lectures and team meetings at the appropriate sites. (3) Methods of Evaluation: Evaluation is by consensus of instructors and fellows at the various training sites. It is based on discussions and presentations throughout the course period. If students are registering for the course within 15 days of starting the rotation, they must contact Dr. Julianna Marwell at julianna.marwell@duke.edu to notify them of their late registration and request permission to enroll. Permission will be based upon availability of clinical experiences for the team identified. No students will be accepted for registration after 4PM on the Wednesday before a Monday rotation start. As noted above, students registering within 15 days of the rotation start are expected to contact Dr. Marwell immediately to notify them and request permission. Prerequisite: Successful completion of first and second year of medical school. NOTE: Students taking this course may be required to complete rotations at the Durham VA Medical Center. Please contact the department to obtain the required paperwork. Paperwork must be completed 30 days prior to the first day of the section in which the student is enrolled. Students that have not completed the paperwork will not be allowed to work at the Durham VA Medical Center. Primary contact: Dr. Julianna Marwell (julianna.marwell@duke.edu) Credit: 4. Enrollment: max 2. Julianna Marwell, MD and other staff.