Development of University Geriatrics Programs

Abstract

The provision of lucrative, procedure-based specialty care has influenced the care delivery model and business plan for medical care in the United States for many decades. Conversely there has been less emphasis on Geriatrics and Primary Care. Graduate Medical Education likewise has provided little support for the development of geriatrics training. Universities as well as the commercial sector have to respond to the financial realities accompanying a change to value-based purchasing in healthcare. Universities are reluctant to change old business models, however there is great opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in hospital medicine and administration in applying geriatric principles to advance the delivery of medical care as well as medical education. Graduate medical education will be held accountable for outcomes demand by the public. A revitalized team-based primary care could help reverse the trend towards specialization among medical graduates and increase the appeal of primary care practice to generations of physicians, adding to enhanced access and quality of care for patients.