Geriatrics Member Interest Group

Eukesh Ranjit, MD, Chair and Raj Shah, MD, Vice Chair -  NEW:  Dr. Ranjit and Dr. Shah are the subject matter experts on the IAFP's new Brain Trust Project - which includes the new state-required CME program online and free for all!  Plus podcasts featuring our own chair and vice chair!

NEXT MEETING:  Wednesday December 13 at 7pm via Zoom.  MIG members will receive a link via email.  If you are interested in joining the MIG, login to your profile and join their E-List. 

There are 2.7 million adults over the age of 60 in Illinois, who make up about 21.9 percent of the current population. Per US Census projection, the percentage of adults over 60 in Illinois is expected to grow from 17.4 in 2012 to 22.3 by 2030. Currently, there are 4,545 family physicians and 227 geriatricians in Illinois. The growth in the older adult population provides a wonderful opportunity for both primary care providers and providers with added qualification in geriatric medicine to enhance our roles in serving our community better. 

IAFP member blog with stories of Life Members who care for older adults

2/23/22 Recording of Kaiser Family Foundation panel with Older Adults Panel on how they have endured and survived the pandemic

Link to the recording of their December 15 meeting featuring presentations on innovative care models.  View resources provided by Oak Street Health and Home Centered Care Institute 

POEMs Patient Oriented Evidence that Matters – short critical summaries of original research on topics relevant to primary care physicians that you can download, use and share.
Polypharmacy Among Older Adults with Dementia
In High-Risk Older Patients with Atrial Fibrillation, Rhythm Control Reduces Cardiovascular Death and Stroke, But at a Price
Intensive Blood Pressure Control
Effectiveness of light therapy in older patients with cognitive impairment
Can drug treatment improve outcomes in people with dementia?
Testosterone Supplementation and Cognitive Functioning in Men
Exercise Recommendations for Older Persons with Obesity
Antipsychotics Use for Delirium in Hospitalized Patients
How does community screening and therapeutic prevention strategies reduce the incidence of falls in older people?
Is Low-Dose Edoxaban (Savaysa) Safe and Effective for Stroke Prevention in Older Patients with Atrial Fibrillation?

Current planned areas of engagement of Geriatrics MIG include:

• Advise IAFP on legislation in the Illinois General Assembly that affects older adult care
• Provide annual CME webinar on geriatric topics for IAFP members (Learn more about the new free CME online module from Dec. 2022)
• Share best practices and challenges to family physicians who provide service to older adults (See POEMs above)

• Create a statewide network of family physicians interested in geriatrics.
• Offer learning opportunities for trainees (Medical Students, Residents, Fellows)

Some ideas include:

• Creating a Geriatrics delegate team for Spring into Action events
• Presenting at least one CME webinar per year
• Creating internet-based contents for network and education (short YouTube videos, Instagram, Facebook posts)
• Geriatrics Workshop for residents/medical students/fellows in IAFP annual meetings