OU-HCOM Department of Geriatric Medicine/Gerontology

In 1978 the Ohio General Assembly responded to the aging of Ohio’s population by creating Offices of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology in the seven state-supported medical schools. The legislature understood that older Ohioans have distinct and ever-increasing needs for specialized health care and supportive services and that Ohio’s physicians need training to meet this challenge. This act of the legislature put Ohio at the forefront of geriatric education. Early on, OU-HCOM joined with the other Offices of Geriatric Medicine to form the Consortium of Ohio Geriatric Academic Programs (COGAP). This group works collaboratively to network and plan CME programs such as an annual statewide faculty development seminar.