Caring for older adults is a fundamental skill for every future physician. With Canada’s aging population, more patients than ever are living longer – often with multiple medical conditions, evolving functional needs, and diverse social circumstances. Geriatric medicine focuses on supporting these individuals to maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life throughout the aging process.
During the 4-week core geriatrics rotation, students gain hands-on experience across a continuum of care settings:
- 2 weeks of Acute Geriatric In-Patient Care:
Students learn to assess and manage frailty, delirium, falls, polypharmacy, complex comorbidities, and safe transitions of care within dedicated acute care wards. - 2 weeks of Geriatric Consultation Services:
Students participate in geriatric consults in the emergency department and on hospital wards, collaborating with interprofessional teams.
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Students will also have exposure to specialized geriatric clinics, such as:
- Memory Clinic
- Geriatric Assessment Unit
- Geriatric Oncology Clinic
- Falls and Fracture Prevention Clinic
- Other ambulatory geriatric services
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Students will develop core competencies in:
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
- Functional and cognitive evaluations
- Medication review and deprescribing
- Person-centred care planning aligned with patient values
- Navigating community, rehabilitation, and long-term care resources
- Effective communication with families and caregivers
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This rotation empowers learners to provide compassionate, thoughtful, and evidence-based care for older adults, a population that represents a growing and vital part of our communities.
The Canadian Geriatrics Society Students Site (National Geriatrics Interest Group – NSIG):
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