MED882A

038175

The Senior Mentor Program seeks to provide experiences for students with older adults who are well and vital. Through this program, it is intended that students will:
· 1. Develop a longitudinal relationship with an older adult in the community gaining views of growing older and interfacing with the healthcare system.
· 2. Establish a longitudinal relationship with a faculty advisor/mentor.
· 3. Increase their knowledge of geriatrics/gerontology.
More specific learning objectives are that students will:
· Define what successful aging means to an older adult.
· Identify the role of exercise, nutrition, spirituality, and mental attitude in reducing risk factors and preventing premature aging.
· Reflect their own thoughts about the aging process; the influence of ageism, and how societal attitudes shape the way older adults are treated and cared for.

Format:
The Senior Mentor Program I is part of a two (2) year longitudinal senior mentor program for 1st and 2nd year medical students. The program is self-paced study to include small group discussions, lectures, grand rounds, web-based learning, didactics, and experiential learning. Students are required to complete identified program requirements. The program includes a minimum of 15 contact hours that involves:
One-on-one mentoring with a healthy older adult (60 and older) in the Tucson community that includes phone calls, emails, and excursions
Educational activities
Journaling
Membership in the Geriatric Interest Group
Assigned physician advisor
Optional clinical experiences
Participation in community events
Completion of a one- to two-page reflection paper/journal entry

Each student will meet with their assigned faculty advisor a minimum of twice a year. During this contact, students will review their journal entries; discuss clinical issues related to caring for older adults; and review the number of contact hours in order to meet the program requirements.

CLK - Clerkship H,HP,P,F

Medicine