Geriatrics Skills session: a hands-on approach to preparing third-year medical students for geriatric patient care

Preparing physicians to care for older adults is essential to meet the growing demand for geriatric care in a healthcare system with a limited number of geriatric specialists and whose population is aging. Graduating medical students are expected to be competent in several fundamental geriatric assessment skills. Interactive, hands-on teaching methods allow for optimal student engagement and real-time feedback to foster skill development. We designed and implemented a Geriatrics Skills Session for third-year medical students based on the Geriatric 5 Ms. Students rotated through stations (i.e structured, focused learning activities) where they engaged in role-play, hands-on demonstrations, and small-group discussions. During academic years (AYs) 2021-2025, a total of 501 students participated. Post-session surveys showed high levels of satisfaction. Students completed two Direct Observations with standardized patients where the students were observed on their ability to take a history and perform a physician exam of a patient presenting with chief complaint of a fall (based on expected core competencies related to Mobility, one of the Geriatric 5 Ms). The session has been well-received by third-year medical students and can be easily adapted for learners at various levels, either in full or in parts.