Educational Curriculum

Fellows have protected time to attend multiple educational conferences including:

Weekly Interprofessional DidacticsJournal Club
Weekly Geriatric Medicine DidacticsFellows Most Difficult Case Conference
Weekly Palliative Medicine DidacticsGeriatrics and Palliative Medicine Grand Rounds
EthicsBarshop Siminars
Self Care RoundsClick to Learn More

Observed Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs):

Early in their training, fellows complete an Observed Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) comprised of standardized patient encounters covering Geriatric and Palliative Care skills.  Fellows obtain on the spot formative feedback from faculty to help improve their skills and confidence in their patient care.  Late in the year, fellows will switch rolls and become preceptors for medical student and resident OSCEs to practice skills in feedback and education.

Fellows as Teachers:

Our program has a long track-record of training clinician-educators. All fellows assist in the teaching of medical students and residents during clinical rotations, formal coursework activities, and Observed Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs). Fellows who desire a career in medical education have additional opportunities to present at division grand rounds, teach learners, and receive mentorship in the development of educational materials. Prior fellows have created OSCE stations as well as curricula on topics like falls, endocrine disorders in older adults, goals of care, and deprescribing.

Scholarship Opportunities:

All fellows engage in scholarly projects in either research, quality improvement, or medical education.  The Introduction to Clinical Research Course and ongoing mentorship gives fellows the tools to complete this work.  All fellows submit their work as an abstract to their specialty specific national meeting, The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) or the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), and to local trainee-focused conferences.

Formal Research Training Opportunity:

Fellows who desire a career in academic research are encouraged to self-identify early in order to take advantage of mentorship from our extensive research faculty.  These fellows may also qualify for an extra two years of training in our Advanced Fellowship in Geriatrics offered through the San Antonio VA Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC).  To participate in the Advanced Fellowship in Geriatrics, applicants must have completed a fellowship in clinical geriatrics to qualify.  Contact Dr. Powers (powersb3@uthscsa.edu) for more information.