An Inclusive Approach to Geriatric Specialization: The Society for Post-Acute and LTC Medicine AMDA Certified Medical Director Program as a Model for Association-based Training

Abstract

This symposium addresses a critical need to grow the field of geriatric expertise by creating multiple learning options that reach clinicians at all phases of practice. The AAGP Strategic Planning meeting of September 2019 articulated several future goals including 1) Develop our own competency-based certificate program and 2) Offering a pathway to clinical expertise for clinicians (Tampi R, et al 2020). The strategic plan also strongly emphasized partnerships with like-minded organizations. This symposium highlights the success of the AMDA Certified Medical Director (CMD) Program. Dr Meenakshi Patel will discuss how AMDA developed the certification; she will review the core curriculum, the development of the initial certification and the subsequent recertification procedures. She will also discuss the advantages of the certification for other providers (e.g., PCPs, NPs). Discussion will address how new geriatric certification programs may supplement training conducted in traditional post-graduate settings and allow for critical workforce growth. Association-based certifications permit inclusivity for providers who are not able to avail themselves of post-graduate fellowships but wish to gain geriatric expertise. The value of “clinical pathways” to expertise will be discussed and stakeholders will be invited to explore ways for the AAGP to help create more diverse learning pathways in geriatric psychiatrySpeaker Meenakshi Patel will discuss the AMDA CMD certification program. She will review the core curriculum, development of the initial certification and subsequent recertification program.Panelists: Dr. Amita Patel will review an AAGP-based geriatric certification that was in development several years ago under her leadership and may be ready for a revitalized effort.Dr. Schultz will discuss possible targeted certifications (e.g., Geriatric Psychopharmacology) and models such as the AACP Board Certification In Community & Public Psychiatry, endorsed by the APA. Other training models (NIH T32, HRSA-based) will be noted.Dr. Lantz: Will address how an AAGP-sponsored certification may complement traditional post-residency fellowship programs in a productive way that meets growing workforce needs.Dr. Padala will discuss new VA programs to share geriatric expertise in case-based “Ask the Expert” and other on-line training formats. Growth in training programs offered by the VA and other healthcare systems will be discussed.The symposium will include audience discussion to begin a planning process that may include stakeholder input from clinicians, educators, association leaders and staff.