A programme in undergraduate geriatric education: the Beer Sheva experiment

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Medical Education

Background:

• Beer Sheva medical school established 1974 to train primary care physicians for the Negev region.
• Focus on addressing the health needs of the elderly population in Israel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a program designed to prepare medical students for the health-related challenges of the elderly.
• To assess the impact of early clinical exposure on student attitudes towards geriatric care.

Main Methods:

• Introduction of early clinical teaching in the first year of a 6-year curriculum.
• Emphasis on interviewing skills, knowledge of aging, and community services for the elderly.

Main Results:

• Preliminary study indicates a trend towards positive student attitudes towards the elderly.
• The program reinforces student sensitivity to geriatric issues through sustained exposure and targeted education.

Conclusions:

• Early and continuous clinical exposure positively influences medical students' attitudes towards geriatric care.
• Educating physicians to serve as positive role models is crucial for sustaining student interest in working with the elderly.