Med school, I've discovered, is full of acronyms, from silly to incredibly forced. There's OPALS (Oncology Patients And Loving Students), FAST (Faculty And Students Together), SALUD (Students And Latinos United against Disparity), PALS (something about Pregnant Adolescents), and many more.
Today I went to a meeting for GEMS, or Geriatrics Experience for Medical Students. Silly acronym aside, GEMS is a great group that I'm excited to be taking part in. As a medical student gaining "geriatrics experience", I'll be assigned to an elder adult, who will become my "gem" for the year. I'll visit this person and just befriend them, in general, as well as learn how to do some clinical things related to geriatrics: mobility and function assessments, etc. I'll also get an intimate look at what life is like for older adults.
In the US, the elderly are a sort of neglected population; have you ever considered the difficulties faced by the elderly in doing daily things such as bathing and dressing? Have you ever thought of how different your life would be if you could no longer drive a car? Or how about having lived a complete life with a spouse, and then had that spouse pass away?
I think I've thought a little more than the average person about things like this, but not nearly enough. I'm looking forward to meeting my new elderly friend.
3 comments:
I wish I could be your elderly friend. Actually I think it's fantastic you're in GEMS... I'll try not to be too jealous of your gem. Maybe they'll actually play scrabble with you.
I wish I could be your elderly friend. Actually I think it's fantastic you're in GEMS... I'll try not to be too jealous of your gem. Maybe they'll actually play scrabble with you.
i will not be going to california for thanksgiving. update me on plans when you find an eensy bit of time in your very busy medical life (= thanks for calling me on my official day of aging.
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