The Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Mount Sinai stands as a pioneering institution in the United States, distinguished for its early integration of geriatrics and palliative care rotations into the core curriculum for all medical students. Building upon this foundation, Mount Sinai extends its educational commitment far beyond standard medical training, offering a comprehensive suite of programs encompassing fellowships in geriatrics and palliative medicine, including a uniquely integrated program. These initiatives are thoughtfully designed to cultivate expertise among researchers, visiting physicians, nurse practitioners, and a wide spectrum of hospital personnel, all unified by the overarching goal of enhancing patient quality of life and fostering patient autonomy. This dedication to broad-reaching education firmly positions Mount Sinai as a leader in shaping the future of geriatric care, potentially incorporating aspects of geropsychology online learning resources to further expand its impact.
Mount Sinai’s influence in geriatric and palliative medicine education resonates nationally through its active participation in key educational initiatives, notably its collaboration with the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC). As the foremost national resource for palliative care advancement, CAPC, affiliated with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, leverages a robust network of foundations, philanthropy, and memberships to empower healthcare organizations. Through this collaboration, Mount Sinai contributes to disseminating essential tools, training, technical support, and performance metrics crucial for the successful implementation and seamless integration of palliative care services across diverse healthcare settings, potentially exploring geropsychology online learning modules to complement these resources.
Further underscoring its commitment to advanced medical education, Mount Sinai presents the annual Continuing Medical Education course, “Intensive Update With Board Review in Geriatric and Palliative Medicine.” This intensive four-day program, delivered by leading experts in geriatrics and palliative medicine, offers a clinically focused review of geriatric syndromes, palliative medicine advancements, and cutting-edge research and treatments. Endorsed by esteemed institutions including the James J. Peters Bronx VA Geriatric Research, Educational, and Clinical Center (GRECC), the American Geriatrics Society, and CAPC, this course exemplifies Mount Sinai’s dedication to providing in-depth, expert-led education in the field, potentially incorporating geropsychology online learning segments in future iterations.
Recognizing the vital role of advanced practice nurses in patient care, The Lilian and Benjamin Hertzberg Palliative Care Institute at Mount Sinai regularly hosts nurse practitioner students from various New York institutions. These students gain invaluable hands-on experience working with patients across oncology, intensive care, geriatrics, general medicine, and surgery. Their clinical immersion encompasses assessing new patient consults, managing pain and symptoms effectively, facilitating family meetings, and engaging in crucial conversations with patients regarding advance directives, potentially utilizing geropsychology online learning platforms for supplemental training.
In line with fostering leadership and professional development, Mount Sinai offers an advanced longitudinal leadership and life skills course for national integrated Geriatrics and Palliative Fellows. This year-long program is meticulously designed to equip fellows with evidence-based life and leadership skills, empowering them to realize their full potential as clinicians and change agents in advancing care for older adults and individuals facing serious and chronic illnesses. This holistic approach to professional development may also integrate elements of geropsychology online learning to enhance fellows’ understanding of the psychological aspects of geriatric care.
Mount Sinai’s innovative educational approach extends to small group, interactive courses focused on geriatrics content, pedagogical skills, feedback techniques, coaching, and mentorship. These courses are structured to foster the development of team-based quality improvement projects and are adaptable for delivery at participating institutions. Employing diverse pedagogical methods including demonstrations, self-study modules, small and large group sessions, e-learning, role-playing, and post-course mentorship, these programs ensure comprehensive and engaging learning experiences, potentially leveraging geropsychology online learning resources to enrich the curriculum.
Reaching beyond urban centers, the Geriatric Rural Scholars Program at Mount Sinai, facilitated by the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), is specifically tailored for providers serving older rural veterans. This program delivers targeted clinical and didactic education in geriatrics and palliative medicine, coupled with active mentorship from GRECC leadership. Through a rural team training program, a rural health training and education program, and a web-based virtual learning community, Mount Sinai extends its expertise to underserved rural populations, potentially incorporating geropsychology online learning modules within the virtual learning environment to enhance accessibility and impact.
