VA Geriatric Scholars Program
Welcome! This page houses tools and resources for VA Geriatric Scholars Program participants and alumni.
The VA Geriatric Scholars Program integrates geriatrics into primary care practices through tailored education for professional development. By providing continuing education and professional development on geriatric topics, inter-professional (e.g., physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, social workers, psychologists) educational experiences encourage innovation and creativity to promote function and independence in older adults. The program serves Veterans through its efforts to improve quality of care and improve access to health care providers who are knowledgeable about geriatric care. Formats include: intensive educational courses, clinical practicum training experiences, on-going coaching and mentoring opportunities and choices among self-directed learning activities. The Geriatric Scholars Program is an example of the VA’s commitment to providing high quality care to all Veterans.
For more information, please contact Luis Melendez at luis.melendez2@va.gov.
 |
 |
|---|
Geriatric Scholars looking for program materials should also visit our Geriatric Scholars SharePoint site (from the VA network).
The VA Geriatric Scholars Program has been generously supported since its inception in 2008 by the VHA's Office of Rural Health and Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care.
| Addressing Geriatric Mental Health: Supporting Veterans and Their Families | Recorded sessions of a live 4-part webinar series sponsored by EES and the VA Geriatrics Scholars Program in collaboration with the VA Palo Alto GRECC and Durham VA Health Care System Psychology Service |
| Rural Interdisciplinary Team Training (RITT) - Webinar Series for Cognitive Aging and Dementia | Recorded session of the 4-part webinar series designed to reinforce the information presented during the RITT Program, a component of the VA Geriatric Scholars Program |
| Addressing Geriatric Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Webinar Series | Archived recordings of the 4-part webinar series sponsored by the VA Geriatric Scholars Program and EES |
| The VA Geriatric Scholars Program Toolkits page provides digital access to the hard copy toolkits distributed by the VA Geriatric Scholars Program | |
| Geriatric Scholars Publications | List of peer reviewed publications, reports and presentations, by and about the VA Geriatric Scholars Program from 2010 to present |
The Geriatric Scholars Program Addressing Behavior Challenges with Dementia (ABCD) for Indian Health Service
The Geriatric Scholars Program provides on-site and virtual training for public health nurses, other healthcare providers and administrators to build on primary prevention skills with a program focusing on secondary prevention (recognition of dementia) and tertiary prevention (reducing caregiver stress by addressing challenging behaviors and supporting health and well-being of caregivers). The program is available as full-day or half-day options, accredited for 6.5 and 3.75 hours of CME/CEUs, respectively. For more information contact Josea.Kramer@va.gov at the Greater Los Angeles GRECC.
The Geriatric Scholars Program Team-Based Training for Indian Health Service to Improve Care for Elders
The Geriatric Scholars Program provides on-site and virtual training for primary care teams working in Indian Health Service or Tribal Health Program clinics. The training empowers all team members to recognize and communicate health and safety concerns during the primary care visit. The content focuses on recognizing and assessing common geriatric syndromes, such as falls and changes in thinking, behavior and function. The program is available as full-day or half-day options, accredited for 6.5 and 3.75 hours of CME/CEUs, respectively. For more information contact Josea.Kramer@va.gov at the Greater Los Angeles GRECC.
The Geriatric Scholars Program Team-Based Training in Care of Older Veterans for Urban VA Primary Care PACTs
The Geriatric Scholars Program provides on-site and virtual training for primary care PACT teams in recognizing and assessing common geriatric syndromes and considering potential health and safety risks. The program is available as full-day or half-day options, accredited for 6.5 and 3.75 hours of CME/CEUs, respectively. For more information contact Josea.Kramer@va.gov at the Greater Los Angeles GRECC.
Josea Kramer, PhDDr. Kramer is the founder and director of the VA Geriatric Scholars Program since its inception in 2008. Dr. Kramer is the Associate Director for Education/Evaluation at the VA Greater L.A. GRECC, and a professor at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.
Luis Melendez, MPA, MS
Luis Melendez has been the VA Geriatric Scholars Program Administrator since 2013. For questions, comments or concerns, contact Luis Melendez at luis.melendez2@va.gov.
Shawn Clarke, BS
Shawn Clarke has been the VA Geriatric Scholars Program Coordinator since 2017.
The hubsite of the VA Geriatric Scholars Program is located at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System GRECC, in collaboration with the following GRECCs:
Baltimore * Bronx, NY (VISN 2 GRECC) * Durham * Gainesville * Little Rock * Madison * Miami * Palo Alto * Pittsburgh * Puget Sound * Rocky Mountain (Eastern Colorado GRECC) * Salt Lake City * San Antonio * Tennessee Valley
Last modified: Tuesday, May 2, 2023, 12:52 PM