The demand for geriatric trained physicians has increased and with the increasing number of older adults, will continue to increase. Currently, there are about 8,000 physicians specializing in geriatrics, and it is estimated that there is a need for at least 24,000 geriatricians to treat the 35 million Americans over the age of 65. Physicians who have completed their training in an ACGME-accredited family medicine or internal medicine program are eligible for participation in a geriatric fellowship program.

The Sun Health /St. Joseph's Geriatric Fellowship Program is a one-year program that places a strong emphasis on clinical geriatrics. The program's uniqueness results from a combination of a highly academic institution (St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center) located in central Phoenix, and two clinically oriented community hospitals with Sun Health (Boswell and Del Webb Memorial Hospitals) who administer the needs of three geriatric communities, Sun City, Sun City West, and Sun City Grande.

Longitudinal experiences include:

• Geriatric continuity and assessment clinics at Arizona Institute of Geriatric Medicine and St. Joseph's Geriatric  Assessment clinic
• Home health/hospice
• Long-term care facilities and Alzheimer's residences

Block rotations:

• Gero-psychiatry (two months)
• Geriatric rehabilitation (two months)
• Long-term care/subacute care (three months)
• Inpatient geriatric service (three months)
• Hospice (one month)
• Outpatient continuity and assessment
• Electives - neurology, urology, dermotology, podiatry, endocrine and others

The faculty comprises Walter J. Nieri, M.D., Program Director, Joanne Ceimo, M.D., Diana Koss, M.D., Alice Lively, D.O. and Morwan Sabbagh, M.D. as well as approximately 50 other physicians contributing their expertise in various specialties involved in geriatric care. In addition, there are over 60 non-physicians in the legal, economic, administrative, nursing, community health, dietary, pharmacy and social work fields who complement the training for this program.

Upon completion of the program, a physician will be eligible to take the exam to receive a certificate of added qualification in geriatrics (Board Certified in Geriatrics). Career opportunities in the Phoenix metropolitan and Sun City area as well as elsewhere are in heavy demand. If you are an interested applicant or wish to seek further information, contact the Geriatric Fellowship Office at (623) 815-7661.

Dr. Walter Nieri, Program Director
Geriatric Fellowship Office
10515 W. Santa Fe Dr.
Sun City, AZ 85351
Phone: 623-815-7661
Fax: 623-815-2981

Application

Residents interested in geriatrics may also contact us to inquire about a one month rotation in geriatrics. You may also fax your curriculum vitae to (623) 815-2981 or email your request to walter.nieri@sunhealth.org.