Geriatric Scholar program graduates first class, enrolls another

UAB's Geriatric Scholars Program has graduated its first class of 18 scholars.

The UAB Geriatric Scholar program, a training program in the Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care for nurses and other health professionals, celebrated the first class of 18 nurses to finish the two-year training Sept. 29, 2011. The second class of 15 is beginning its second year, and the third class has enrolled 19.

The graduating class presented the outcomes of process-improvement projects to improve communication between staff, patients and their 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.