Geriatric Scholar program graduate first class, enrolls another

The UAB Geriatric Scholar program, a training program in the Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care for nurses and other health professionals on caring for geriatric patients, will hold its second annual Celebration Sept. 29.  The first class, consisting of 18 nurses, is wrapping up their second and final year of training. The second class of 15 is beginning their second year in the program and the third class has just enrolled 19 participants, including nurses, physician assistants, a speech therapist and a pharmacist in collaboration with the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Birmingham.

The graduating class will present the outcomes of their process improvement projects. These projects were designed to improve communication between staff, patients and family; reduce fall risk in certain units and increase staff awareness of geriatric issues  

With the addition of non-nursing specialties, the program is believed to be the first truly interdisciplinary Geriatric Scholar program in the country.

The Celebration will be held in the West Pavilion Conference Room E, from 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 29.