First-ever Masterclass-‘Gerimaster’ Organised
The Department of Geriatrics, CMC Vellore, under the aegis of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics (IAG), successfully conducted the first-ever PG Masterclass – GERIMASTER from 5 to 7 June, 2025. Thisacademic initiative brought together seventy postgraduate students and practitioners for an intensive and enriching learning experience in the ever-evolving field of geriatrics.
The stage was lit up for the inaugural session with inspiring talks by Dr.Vikram Mathews, Director and Dr. Rajesh. I. Medical Superintendent. This was followed by a welcome address by Dr. Prasad Mathews, the first
Head of the Department of Geriatrics. The tone was set for the Masterclass by an inspiring speech by Prof. Alka Ganesh, mentor to many of the Professors in Geriatrics at CMC Vellore. The sessions covered a wide array of topics, from the foundations of multidisciplinary team-based approaches to practical skills like interpretation of ECG, pulmonary function tests (PFT), and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. Discussions also delved into rational drug prescribing, how to read a journal and research methodology.
The highlight of the event was the hands-on clinics, which allowed participants to apply theoretical knowledge directly to real-world clinical scenarios under expert supervision. Specialists from pulmonary medicine, cardiology, urology, and neurology presented recent advances in their respective fields. These sessions were thoughtfully moderated by geriatricians, who guided discussions on tailoring these advances to the unique needs of patients with multiple comorbidities and complex medication regimens. The masterclass was followed by a CME, which provided opportunities for luminaries in the field of law and palliative care to share their knowledge and experiences. Bone health and geriatric oncology were also dealt with effectively.
Their contributions elevated the academic discourse and provided attendees with unique perspectives rooted in decades of experience. The participants left not only with knowledge but also with renewed compassion and conviction to serve older adults with dignity and excellence.
The postgraduate quiz was a highlight of GERIMASTER, with all participants enthusiastically competing for the prize. An alumni meeting was also incorporated into the programme. This inaugural gathering provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect and share camaraderie as they reflected on more than a decade of shared memories. The event concluded with a gala dinner, attended by all participants.
GERICON 2024: National Geriatrics Conference Held in Varanasi
BHU Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, hosted GERICON 2024, the 21st annual national conference of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics, from November 29 to December 1, 2024. The event brought together leading experts, medical professionals, and researchers from across the country to discuss advancements and challenges in geriatric care.
Highlights of the conference included:
- Scientific Sessions: Expert-led discussions on dementia care, sarcopenia, and innovations in geriatric medicine.
- Workshops: Hands-on training in elder care strategies, with a focus on holistic approaches to improving quality of life.
- Research Presentations: Emerging studies on age-related diseases and their management in Indian healthcare settings.
The conference also featured keynote addresses by national and international thought leaders, including specialists advocating for enhanced policies for elderly welfare in India.
GERICON 2024 reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges of an aging population and celebrated advancements that promise to transform geriatric care in the coming years.
UG Students Engage in Geriatrics CME at CMC Vellore
A Continuing Medical Education (CME) program titled “Geriatrics: What, Why, and How” was conducted at CMC Vellore, jointly organized by the Departments of Geriatric Medicine at CMC Vellore and Government Medical College, Vellore. The half-day event saw active participation from around 150 undergraduate medical students, aiming to introduce them to the principles and practices of geriatric care.
The program was part of a series of curtain-raiser events leading up to Gericon 2024, the prestigious annual conference of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics, scheduled to take place in Varanasi. Alongside insightful lectures, the event also featured an engaging quiz competition tailored for undergraduates, adding an interactive element to the learning experience.
The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on integrating geriatric medicine into undergraduate training, preparing future doctors to address the unique challenges of India’s aging population.
1st ASIAN GERIATRIC ONCOLOGY SOCIETY CONFERENCE
The inaugural Asian Geriatric Oncology Society (AGOS) conference was recently hosted in Chennai as part of the Geri Care Geriatrics Conclave 2024. Organized in collaboration with the Indian Association of Geriatrics (IAG), this two-day event brought together over 250 participants, including global experts, to discuss advancements in geriatrics and geriatric oncology.
The conference highlighted the growing significance of these fields amidst India’s rapidly aging population, expected to reach 319 million by 2050. Discussions focused on addressing the shortage of geriatric specialists and the importance of early detection of conditions like dementia, osteoporosis, and cancers common in older adults. The event featured workshops, panel discussions, and the presentation of over 25 scientific papers. Notable attendees included Padmashri Dr. VS Natarajan, regarded as the father of geriatrics in India, and Dr. K Narayanasami, Vice Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University
IAG KARNATAKA Chapter CME
A conference on Geriatrics – “Together we can make change” was held on 17-07-24 at Green Park Hotel, Bangalore. Jointly hosted by Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore and IAG Karnataka, we had 70 registered members. The attendees were mostly Geriatricians and physicians involved in Geriatric and primary care. The programme consisted of various topics and panel discussions on acute care, immunization, domiciliary care, and rehabilitation with an interesting case discussion on delirium and dementia. An interesting quiz followed and the winners were awarded prizes. The Conference also marked the revival of the IAG Karnataka.
Geriatric Medicine Workshop for Undergraduates
The IAG Kerala Chapter, in collaboration with the Department of Geriatrics at Amrita School of Medicine, Kochi, conducted a half-day workshop for MBBS students on August 3, 2024, in Kochi. The sessions, led exclusively by IAG faculty, were well-received by the students and proved to be an eye-opener for faculty members from other departments in attendance. The workshop attracted over 150 students from various colleges in and around Kochi.
Innovative approaches to medical education, such as role plays and quizzes, were highly appreciated and sparked a keen interest in the subject among the students. The workshop, a power-packed 2.5-hour session, provided a refreshing and engaging experience.
This event was organized as a curtain-raiser for the upcoming GERICON 2024, the national geriatric conference at BHU, Varanasi, with the theme “Bringing Geriatrics to Medical Graduates.”
Kerala Chapter of Indian Academy of Geriatrics Revived
The Kerala Chapter of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics was successfully revived at a landmark meeting held recently, where 26 geriatricians from across the state gathered to re-establish the chapter. A new executive committee was elected, featuring Dr. Divyamol Sasidaharan as President, Dr. Anish S as General Secretary, and Dr. Athul Vyas as Joint Secretary.
Dr. Priya Vijayakumar, a pioneering figure in geriatric care in Kerala, shared her two-decade-long journey in establishing geriatrics at Amrita, offering valuable insights and inspiration to the attendees. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Steve Manjaly, who discussed the “Challenges in Geriatric Care.” This was followed by an engaging group discussion and experience-sharing session among the participants.
The event featured several noteworthy presentations. Dr. Ashish Rajan delivered an insightful talk on the “Role of Diet in Older Diabetic Patients,” emphasizing the critical impact of nutrition on managing diabetes in the elderly. Dr. Anusree provided an update on the “CDC 2024 Guidelines on Geriatric Vaccinations,” underlining the importance of updated vaccination protocols. Dr. Jino Joy, National Joint Secretary of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics, led the organization of the event, ensuring a seamless and productive meeting.
The day’s proceedings commenced with case presentations by postgraduate students from Amrita Medical College, setting a strong foundation for the meeting.
Several significant decisions were made during the meeting:
– Monthly online meetings and quarterly physical gatherings will be held to ensure regular interaction and collaboration among members.
– The chapter will work closely with government policymakers and the Health University to promote geriatric training at the undergraduate and community levels.
– An event will be organized for undergraduate students at Amrita Medical College, Cochin, to raise awareness about geriatric medicine.
– The chapter will explore partnerships with NGOs, senior citizen forums, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and other relevant organizations.
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of commitment to advancing geriatric care and education in Kerala.
Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming events from the Kerala Chapter of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics.
https://indianacademyofgeriatrics.org/kerala-chapter
IAG @ IAGG
Dr Ashish Goel, our president represented our association at the IAGGG Council Meeting held in Yokohama Japan from 12th to 14th of June . He also chaired a session on Falls in the Elderly.
2023 IAGG AOR WEBINAR
International Association of Gerentology and Geriatrics Asia-Oceania region has announced a webinar on Biological Science of Ageing. This will be an online event on 16th August 2023 10:30 AM IST. Click the image to register for the event.
Kerala Geriatricians Annual Get Together
The Kerala chapter of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics (IAG) successfully organized yet another get-together of geriatricians working in Kerala on 29th June 2025 at Cochin. The event brought together almost all geriatricians practicing in Kerala for a day of insightful discussions, knowledge-sharing, and networking.
Dr. Divyamol, President of IAG Kerala, warmly welcomed the attendees and set the tone for the day’s agenda. Dr Athul Vyas presented a summary of activities over the last 3 months. The first session featured an enlightening presentation by Dr. Ahalya on “Novel Markers in Alzheimer’s Diagnosis,” shedding light on emerging diagnostic and therapeutic advancements in dementia care.
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion on the “Role of Newer Agents like Ceftriaxone-Sulbactam-EDTA in Fighting MDR Infections in Older Adults.” The session was led by Dr. Jino Joy, with esteemed panelists Dr. Nadeem, Dr. Ashish Rajan, and Dr. Siju Jose, who delved into the challenges and opportunities in managing resistant infections among the elderly.
The gathering also facilitated general discussions on pressing issues in geriatric care, challenges in setting up new units, along with initiatives to support young geriatricians. Key outcomes included the formation of a support group for budding geriatricians. The group also assigned roles and elected committee members for Gericon 2026 Cochin. Monthly webinars of IAG Kerala are well appreciated and will be made open for other practitioners who are interested. The sessions would be uploaded on online platforms, henceforth.
The event concluded on a delightful note with a sumptuous lunch, allowing participants to network and unwind. The next meeting is scheduled for October 2025 at the Department of Geriatrics, Belivers Medical College, Tiruvalla
Geriatric Short Film Festival Showcases Creativity of Medical Students
The Indian Academy of Geriatrics (IAG) recently organized a unique Geriatric Short Film Festival for undergraduate medical students, celebrating their creative perspectives on elderly care. The event culminated in a special movie screening session in Cochin, where members of the Healthy Ageing Club were invited to judge the submissions.
The short films, crafted with innovative storytelling, addressed challenges and solutions in geriatric healthcare, promoting awareness and empathy for the aging population. The Healthy Ageing Club members, an audience deeply invested in promoting wellness among seniors, enthusiastically evaluated the films and selected the winners.
The initiative underscored IAG’s commitment to integrating geriatric education with creative and community-based approaches, inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals to prioritize healthy aging.
CME on Geriatric Medicine organized by IAG - Rajasthan Chapter Society
Indian Academy of Geriatrics -Rajasthan Chapter Society, in collaboration with the Department of General Medicine Dr. SS Tantia Medical College and Research Hospital, Caregivers Asha Society and ACMERI organized a CME on Geriatric Medicine on August 30, 2024 at Dr. SS Tantia Medical College and Research Hospital, Shri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. The event brought together medical professionals to discuss advancements in geriatric care, focusing on enhancing clinical skills and knowledge for better management of elderly patients. The participants were UG students, healthcare professionals from Shri Ganganagar and neighboring districts. The live Youtube streaming of the event was also done.
An Undergraduate Quiz and a Poster Competition were also conducted as academic curtain-raisers for GERICON 2024. A significant highlight of the event was the release of a poster on “Deprescribing,” emphasizing the importance of reducing unnecessary medications in elderly patients to prevent polypharmacy and potential adverse drug reactions. This initiative aligns with the goals of personalized and safe geriatric care. The CME was a success, fostering learning and collaboration among healthcare professionals, and setting the stage for GERICON 2024.”
Geriatric Medicine Department, MCH Kolkata and Indian Academy of Geriatrics Launch First National Intern Sensitization Initiative
The Geriatric Medicine Department at MCHK, in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Geriatrics, successfully organized the first-ever Intern Sensitization Initiative (ISI) in Kolkata, a groundbreaking effort in the country. This initiative highlighted the transformative nature of internships, bringing geriatrics closer to young medical professionals.
Key topics covered included:
1. Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in the Elderly
2. Approach to Elderly Diabetes
3. Geriatric Syndromes
4. Use of AI in Geriatrics
5. Basic Life Support Workshop
For 14 days, interns immersed themselves in the Geriatric Ward, gaining real-life case handling experience and participating in workshops on Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and geriatric emergencies. This peer-led program, themed “Initiation by the Resident, for the Resident,” emphasized intergenerational connection and proactive learning.
The initiative, supervised by the dedicated MCHK geriatric team, provided a valuable platform for interns to bridge generational gaps and prepare for future careers in healthcare.
LUCKNOW CHAPTER
The Divine Heart and Multispeciality Hospitals in Gomtinagar, Lucknow, played host to a significant Continuing Medical Education (CME) event on Geriatrics Medicine on April 20th, 2024. Inspired by the vision of Prof. I.S. Gambhir from BHU, the event aimed to reignite the Lucknow chapter of the Indian Association of Geriatricians (IAG). Esteemed speakers Dr. Pooja Dhaon, Prof. Kauser Usman, and Prof. Atul Agarwal from KGMU graced the occasion with insightful lectures.
The event drew a diverse audience, with 21 doctors from outside DHMH and 20 from within, totaling 46 participants. Notable among them were Professors from SGPGI and KGMU, showcasing a collective dedication to geriatric medicine.
The CME proceeded smoothly under the guidance of IAG observer Dr. Prabhakar Shukla. The interactive Q&A session saw active participation from delegates, enriching the learning experience. As the event concluded on a positive note, discussions turned to future initiatives, with the suggestion to democratically elect Prof. Kauser Usman as the President of the Lucknow chapter of IAG earning unanimous support.
Overall, the CME served as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and laying the foundation for revitalizing geriatric care in Lucknow under the auspices of the IAG.
IAG AT APICON 2022
The academy was invited to organize a workshop on Geriatric Medicine during the national conference of IAG held in Ahmedabad in 2022.
Chennai Chapter Annual Get Together
The IAG Chennai Chapter organized Geriatric Update a state-level Conference on 26th March 2023. The occasion was graced by Dr VS Natarajan and other eminent geriatric experts from Tamil Nadu.