Interns and Residents Inpatient Rotation: Each year 13 second and third year residents serve for four weeks as residents on the Geriatrics Inpatient Service, under the supervision of one of the Geriatrics Section attending physicians. This rotation is known to be demanding. As a result, some of the strongest residents are selected for this rotation during which time they admit six days a week and supervise 2-3 interns and 1-3 third and fourth year medical students. Two of the interns each month are internal medicine interns, resulting in a total of 26 per year serving as interns on the Firm.

Residents Outpatient Rotation: Each year 26 second and third year residents participate in a month-long outpatient geriatrics rotation during which time they see patients in the home and nursing home as well as at an affiliated PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly) site. Residents in the Primary Care Residency Program may elect the Home Care Program or Nursing Home Program as a second “clinic” site during their second and/or third years (2-5 residents elect this option each year).

Overview

Basic Schedule

Interns Outpatient Rotation: Each year all eight primary care interns participate in a two-week rotation.  The purpose of this experience is to provide an orientation to the interdisciplinary primary care team model in the care of the geriatric patient.  It involves a broad exposure to an integrated system of care in a variety of settings and mentorship by a collaborative faculty team of advanced practice nurse and attending physician from the Geriatrics Section.

Goals:

1. Develop an understanding of the clinical approach to the evaluation and management of frail, vulnerable and complex elders and an awareness of the importance of an older adult's function in providing appropriate medical care.
2. Gain a comfort level and confidence by participating as a member of a collaborative, intrdisciplinary, community based primary care team.
3. Interface with community resources.  Learn what is offered and how to access services.
4. Develop skills to work effectively as a team member with community agencies and services.
5. Gain practical skills and knowledge to apply in primary care with elderly patients.

Methods:

1. Mentorship by MD/APN Geriatrics Section faculty
2. Home visits with faculty
3. Nursing home visit
4. Community visits with VNA and PT
5. Alternative housing site visit
6. Adult Day Health program site visit
7. Session with Chief, Geriatrics Section to discuss Geriatrics as site for required academic project.

Contact: Jill Whitney, 617-638-6155, Jill.Whitney@bmc.org