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Established in 2001, the Midwestern Geriatric Education Center (MidGEC) is dedicated to providing specialized education and training in an interdisciplinary mode to faculty and health care providers in geriatrics and gerontology in order to enhance the medical and mental health care provided older adults with and without developmental disabilities in Illinois.

With one American turning 60 every 7 minutes as of the first of 2006, older adults are projected to remain the largest and fastest growing sector of health care users for the next few decades.  At the same time, the already low number of health care professionals with training and/or certification in geriatrics is falling.

Older adults face unique challenges to health and well being, present differently than younger patients when experiencing health problems common to all, and can react differently –sometimes adversely- to standard treatments.  Practitioners require specialized knowledge and training in geriatrics in order to deliver optimal health care to older patients.  The Geriatric Education Centers (GECs) are a national network that provides education and training for health care professionals with the goals of improving health care for older adults.

The Midwestern Center on Aging is a companion to the MidGEC that focuses on the dissemination of information to the general public on topics related to geriatrics and aging.  The Center presents a wide array of progr4ams

Letter from the Director Frank J. Prerost, Ph.D. ï  Click here to learn more about the Center on Aging which provides geriatric education to older adults, their families, and the communities of Illinois.

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR . . .

Greetings! I am pleased that you are visiting the web site of the Midwestern Geriatric Education Center (MidGEC). After you become familiar with our mission and educational focus, I hope you will be able to participate in some of our current and future educational activities.   We have developed the programming that addresses what the healthcare providers of Illinois have reported as significant areas of need. MidGEC has established the network of experts in geriatrics and gerontology that  create a diverse catalogue of programs and resources in geriatric medicine and gerontology.

As Director of the MidGEC, I am determined to provide educational opportunities of the highest quality to a wide variety of healthcare professionals. This is an exciting time for all of us who are associated with the MidGEC as we have completed programs over the course of 5 years serving thousands of healthcare professionals.  We are building upon the successful concepts of other GECs as we move forward, and have created our own unique identity as we fulfill our mission and objectives.  The MidGEC has evolved into a nationally recognized organization with a reputation as a premier GEC.  I will be constantly asking the residents and healthcare professionals of our service area for feedback and suggestions of how we can continually enhance our services. MidGEC will share the qualities of Passion, Drive, and Commitment that serve as the hallmarks of our host institution.  In 2000, Midwestern University celebrated the first hundred years of its founding college, The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and today continues in the 21st century with a commitment to the highest standards of education.

Take the time to browse our web site. Since education is a collaborative effort between all of those who are involved in the process, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Bookmark the MidGEC web site and return often to watch us grow.  Visitors browsing with Internet Explorer can click here to automatically create a Favorite.

Frank J. Prerost, Ph.D.
Director, Midwestern Geriatric Education Center
Program Director and Professor
Behavioral Medicine Department

Last Updated:  6/26/2007.  Copyright © 2002-2007 Midwestern University. All rights reserved.
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