The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast #503: Falls with Dr. Alyson Michener and Suzanne Zukoski, MSPT
Nov 3, 2025
Join geriatrician Alyson Michener and physical therapist Suzanne Zukoski as they dive into the critical topic of falls in older adults. They discuss the Age-Friendly 5Ms Framework for multifactorial risk assessment and fall prevention strategies. Hear about the importance of medication review, mobility assessments, and targeted home modifications. They explore how chronic conditions and mental health impact fall risk, alongside evidence-based exercise programs like Tai Chi that enhance strength and balance. Practical tips for safer home environments are also shared!
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Transcript
Episode notes
Call It A Fall, Not “Mechanical”
- Define a fall as unintentionally coming to rest at a lower surface and avoid vague labels like “mechanical.”
- Treat any fall as deserving assessment because the term "mechanical" can prematurely end evaluation.
Use The 5Ms Framework
- Use the 5Ms (multimorbidity, medications, mind, mobility, matters most) to structure fall evaluation.
- Map history and exam findings to each M to identify modifiable fall risks.
Probe Multimorbidity And Recent Changes
- Always ask about prior falls and sensory impairments when assessing multimorbidity.
- Query recent health changes because acute illness often precipitates falls.