Care of the elderly program at the University of Alberta: meeting the challenges of treating the aging population.

PROBLEM ADDRESSED: The population is aging rapidly and there are implications for health care delivery in the face of few physicians specializing in care of the elderly (COE). OBJECTIVE OF PROGRAM: To train physicians wishing to provide COE services. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The COE program at the University of Alberta in Edmonton is an enhanced skills diploma program lasting 6 months to 1 year, with core program requirements including geriatric inpatient care,geriatric psychiatry, ambulatory care, continuing care, and outreach. There is a longitudinal clinic component and a research project requirement. The program is designed to cover the 85 core competencies in the Can MEDS-Family Medicine roles.
CONCLUSION: There is a need for COE physicians to provide clinical care as well as fill educational, administrative, and research roles to meet the health care needs of medically complex seniors. These physicians require alternative funding and a departmental home within a university if they are to provide an academic service.