August 18, 2006

Doctors from Korea visit MGH Geriatrics

As part of a weeklong seminar on geriatric medicine hosted by the Geriatric Education and Training Center at the BWH, 19 physicians from Korea visited the MGH's Geriatric Medicine Unit to learn about the practice's programs, education and research initiatives.

The trip marks the third year doctors from Korea have visited the MGH. While most were in Boston for the first time, some enjoyed last year's visit and returned to learn more. All of the physicians attended Korea University Medical School and represent a range of specialties — including pediatrics, gynecology, psychiatry, family medicine and internal medicine. The doctors toured the hospital and visited the Geriatric Medicine Unit at Charles River Plaza. Ken Minaker, MD, presented two clinical lectures, and administrative director, Shelley Amira, spoke about the MGH practice and programs. Left, clinicians from Korea hear a presentation in the Ether Dome.

While in Boston, the doctors attended training and educational sessions on topics ranging from dementia to the dietary needs of the elderly. "Geriatrics in South Korea is not entirely developed yet," said Korean geriatrician Younho Chung, MD, who served as translator. "We are facing a rapid increase in the elderly population. In the next five to 10 years, we may see a crisis with the number of people in the older generation, which is why we are trying to develop our geriatrics field now." He added that the government is working to establish an insurance plan for elderly home care.