Overview

The Section of Geriatric Medicine at UIC is committed to the health and healing of frail elderly. Focal to the program is the Geriatric Assessment and Reactivation Unit. Better known as the GARU, this hospital-based unit represents a multidisciplinary approach for reactivating elderly after a period of acute illness.

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment is conducted at the geriatric clinics (University of Illinois Hospital, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, and Northwest Community Hospital). This unique and thorough evaluation of older adults facilitates longitudinal care and planning. Special programs targeted for the older adult include rehabilitation, memory and behavior, driving skills, falls and incontinence evaluations. Patient management in the continuum of care, includes hospice, long term care, and home care.

Geriatric Fellowship training at UIC is one of the largest programs in the U.S. The Section of Geriatrics is committed to countering the shortage of geriatricians and dealing with the popluation explosion of elderly nationwide. Opportunities for research include: molecular responses to cellular stress and aging, immunosenescence, dementia, models of elderly healthcare, applied gerontology, and long term care.

Interdisciplinary education and research include numerous projects: Frailty Prevention; Immunosenescence; Aging and Cellular Stress; and Failure to Thrive Syndrome in Elderly; Geriatrics Acute Care and Rehab; and Geriatric Clinical Pharmaceutical Trials.

UIC is one of a handful of universities with virtually all health disciplines represented, thus making an outstanding environment for interdisciplinary research and education. The Roybal Center on Social Gerontology and the School of Public Health provides substantial opportunities for trainees to further their academic endeavors.

Additional geriatric programs include: Care Of the Aging Parent (COAP), Geriatric Rapid Evaluation and Treatment (GREAT), Geriatric Consultations, Geriatric Primary Care, and 100 Plus Longevity.