The Landscape of Geriatrics Medical Education: Past, Present, and Future

From Dr. Nascher’s introduction of the term “Geriatrics” in 1909 (Nascher, NY Med J 89:359, 1909) to the modern conceptualization of the Geriatrics 5Ms” domains (Tinetti et al. J Am Geriatr Soc 65(9):2115, 2017), the field of Geriatrics has unwaveringly championed innovations and best practices in caring for older adults. To meet the needs of our aging population, all future health care professionals must receive training in evidenced-based older adult care. Principles of Geriatrics medical education have evolved alongside changing education paradigms. Current efforts focus on identifying learner-centered Geriatrics education targets for various stages of training, in the form of competencies, milestones, and entrustable professional activities, and on evaluating learners in their progress toward these goals. Ongoing dedication to innovation and expansion of Geriatrics medical education is critical in preparing the healthcare workforce to care for older adults now and in the future.