College of Medicine MD Curriculum

Family Medicine Geriatric Elective

Title of Clerkship: Family Medicine Geriatric Elective

Elective Year(s): Fourth-Year Elective

Department: Family Medicine

Type of Elective: Clinical

Clerkship Site: UT Health Geriatric Center (and assorted long-term care sites)

Course Number: FMMD 712

Blocks Available: By request

Number of Students/Block: 1

Faculty: Zahra Aftab, M.D.

Elective Description/Requirements: This elective will expose the student to a broad range of health problems faced by older adults, as well as, settings in which Geriatric Medicine is practiced. Clinical experiences will occur in outpatient and long term care sites. Inpatient rounding will occur as available. Students will utilize computerized curriculum on a variety of geriatric topics.

Length of Clerkship: 4 weeks

Links to Core Competencies/Educational Course Objectives: At the end of this elective, the student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of normal aging and age-related illness and apply this knowledge to evaluation and management of geriatric health problems. (EPOs: MK-4)
  2. Identify clinical presentations of common illnesses, such as myocardial infarction, hypothyroidism, infection, and depression. (EPOs: PC-6)
  3. Identify dementia and delirium and distinguish between syndromes that cause cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. (EPOs: MK-4)
  4. Outline the management of common problems related to dementia. (EPOs: PC-1)
  5. Identify and describe the management of common geriatric syndromes such as falls, incontinence, and failure to thrive. (EPOs: PC-6, PC-7)
  6. Outline the role of Medicare and Medicaid in financing geriatric care. (EPOs: SBP-4)
  7. Discuss age-related pharmacology as well as communication and compliance problems. (EPOs: MK-6, PC-6, PC-7)
  8. Demonstrate care that emphasizes individualism, dignity, and respect for patient autonomy. (EPOs: IPC-1, PB-1)

Professionalism: UT/COM students will meet or exceed the institutional standards for professionalism as stated in the current Educational Program Objectives and the current Educational Course Objectives for the Sponsoring Department.

Instructional Methods:

  1. Lecture/Media
  2. Interpretation of lab data
  3. Diagnostic tests – use/interpretation
  4. Nursing Facility rounds
  5. Independent study
  6. Outpatient  rounds

Evaluation Methods:

  1. Attendance
  2. Case presentation
  3. Online quizzes
  4. Faculty/resident observation
  5. Narrative

Prerequisites: Successful completion of third year required Family Medicine clerkship.

Clerkship Director: Rameez Bhatti, M.D. 

Clerkship Coordinator: Lindsey Brillhart
Phone Number: 419.383.5557
Email: Lindsey.Brillhart@utoledo.edu

Special Requirements: None 

ECC Approved
October 2023

Last Updated: 7/15/24