Seniors at Azrieli: A Unique and Important Learning Experience

As part of the "transition course" of HILA-Professional Foundations for the Future Doctor, which takes place during the last week of the pre-clinical study phase at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, a full day was devoted to geriatric medicine. It is one of the highlights and marks the completion of a three-week pre-clinical course devoted entirely to aging and geriatrics.

On May 30, 2021 some 50 seniors, members of area kibbutzim, visited the Faculty to be interviewed by the students.

One of the goals was to learn first hand about the world as seen and lived by the elderly. In this way, it is hoped, the students will develop and enhance their knowledge, skills, and approach required to care for the elderly population.  Emphasis was placed on the importance of a comprehensive and extended history at this age, refining the need for physical, functional, and cognitive therapy. Especially important for the elderly population are keen communication and interview skills, essential for obtaining personal and medical information from these patients.

Another goal was to expose students first hand to the challenges the elderly face when they meet with community and hospital health care teams.

The day began together, with a lecture on geriatrics, and after the personal interviews, a joint discussion was held with the students during which the seniors and students shared their personal experiences from the meeting.

The seniors were extremely moved: "I do not remember when was the last time someone from the health system sat with me and listened to me for a long time without looking at the computer," shared one of the participants.

The guests were then given an overview of the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, the creative solutions used to train students during the Corona period, and plans for the future.

Later in the day, nine geriatric specialist physicians met with the students in small groups. They discussed the content that came up in the interviews and role played how to act when asked to examine an elderly person with confusion who arrives in the emergency room.

Student feedback at the end of the day was most positive, on a professional as well as personal level.