Successful implementation of a faculty development program in geriatrics for non-primary care physician educators

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Geriatric Medicine
• Faculty Development

Background:

• Geriatrics education is crucial for house officers across various medical and surgical disciplines.
• Enhancing geriatrics knowledge and skills among physicians is essential for improving elder care.
• Academic institutions require effective strategies to integrate geriatrics into postgraduate training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a four-year faculty development program on geriatrics learning among house officers.
• To assess changes in faculty participants' attitudes, knowledge, and career trajectories.
• To identify key success factors for implementing and sustaining such a program.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal, problem-oriented small group seminar format was employed.
• Faculty participants engaged in concurrent application of newly acquired skills.
• The program involved house officers from seven surgical and five medical subspecialties at a large academic institution.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in faculty participants' attitudes and knowledge regarding geriatrics.
• Curricula and teaching activities in geriatrics were expanded.
• Faculty participants reported enhanced and altered career trajectories, with a focus on geriatrics.

Conclusions:

• Faculty development programs centered on interactive learning and career focus can effectively enhance geriatrics education.
• Institutional support, protected time, and resources are critical for program success.
• Such initiatives positively impact faculty development and the integration of geriatrics into medical training.