The Reynolds Project:
Comprehensive Programs to Strengthen
Physicians' Training in Geriatrics

The Geriatrics Center is engaged in a four-year, grant-based set of activities called Comprehensive Programs to Strengthen Physicians' Training in Geriatrics, designed to expand teaching for medical students and physicians in the care of elderly patients.

Begun in June, 2001, these programs are supported by a $1,999,161 million grant awarded by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation and substantial matching support from the U-M Medical School. The goal is for the Geriatrics Center to provide every graduating medical student as well as physicians who complete residency or fellowship training at the U-M with a meaningful educational experience in geriatrics.

"This award will move us to the leading edge of physician education in geriatrics at a time when advances in geriatrics are desperately needed." said Jeffrey B. Halter, M.D., director of the Geriatrics Center and professor of internal medicine.

In addition to developing and establishing new mandatory clinical experiences, the project will allow U-M to require each medical student and participating resident to complete a web-based geriatrics portfolio to gain and demonstrate competence in geriatrics. Meanwhile, faculty will be trained to develop new geriatrics training programs in such medical and surgical specialties as rheumatology, gynecology emergency medicine, oncology, urology, pulmonary, gastroenterology, anesthesiology, orthopaedic surgery, and physical medicine & rehabilitation.

The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation is a national philanthropic organization founded in 1954 by the late media entrepreneur for whom it is named. Mr. Reynolds was the founder and principal owner of the Donrey Media Group. The foundation, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, is one of the nation's largest private foundations.

UM physicians interested in Geriatrics Resources at the University of Michigan and the surrounding community may visit UM Geriatrics Care, an internal web site containing specific clinical and referral information as well as links to teaching and learning resources.