The Path to Geriatric Expertise: Interview with Rashelle Hoffman

In this episode of the MMOA podcast, Dr. Dustin Jones and Rashelle Hoffman discuss the various paths to specialization in physical therapy, particularly focusing on geriatric care. They explore the pros and cons of pursuing a geriatric residency versus sitting for the Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS) exam, highlighting the importance of mentorship, clinical reasoning, and the impact of physical therapy on older adults. The conversation emphasizes the need for better representation of geriatrics in physical therapy education and the potential for significant improvements in patient outcomes. Dr. Rashelle Hoffman Faculty Profile: https://www.creighton.edu/campus-directory/hoffman-rashelle Takeaways:

• -Specialization in physical therapy can enhance skills for specific populations.
• -Geriatric residency programs offer structured mentorship and clinical experience.
• -Sitting for the GCS exam demonstrates knowledge but lacks practical application training.
• -Continuing education can be a viable alternative for specialization.
• -Financial considerations are important when choosing a specialization path.
• -Residency programs can fast-track the process to sit for specialization exams.
• -The impact of physical therapy on older adults can be profound and rewarding.
• -Not all residency programs provide the same quality of education and mentorship.
• -The demand for geriatric specialists is growing, but interest in the field remains low.
• -Collaboration with fitness professionals can enhance care for older adults.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Specialization in Physical Therapy
• 03:41 Exploring Geriatric Residency Programs
• 20:09 Pros and Cons of Sitting for the GCS
• 29:15 Continuing Education as an Alternative Path

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