Geriatric surgery—evolution of a clinical community

• Published in: The American journal of surgery Vol. 209; no. 6; pp. 943 - 949
• Main Authors: Zenilman, Michael E., M.D, Katlic, Mark R., M.D, Rosenthal, Ronnie A., M.D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2015; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Aged; Attitude of Health Personnel; Clinical community; Clinical survey; Data Collection; Delirium; Education; Emergency medical care; Frailty; Geriatric surgery; Geriatrics; Geriatrics - education; Geriatrics - organization & administration; Gynecology; Hospitals; Humans; Interdisciplinary Communication; Medicine; Meetings; Mortality; Multidisciplinary care; Older people; Otolaryngology; Palliative care; Science; Societies, Medical; Society; Specialties, Surgical - education; Specialties, Surgical - organization & administration; Studies; Surgery; Surgery in the elderly; United States; Urology; United States; Geriatric surgery; Clinical community; Surgery in the elderly; Clinical survey; Multidisciplinary care
• ISSN: 0002-9610; 1879-1883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2015.01.016

Abstract Background We reviewed the current scientific data and opinions from thought leaders in the field of surgery in the elderly population and queried whether a new society should be formed. Methods The science of geriatric surgery (GS) was reviewed, including topics scientific sessions focused on GS. A town hall meeting was held, which included geriatric surgical scholars. A survey was created to define the interest in GS as a specialty society was sent to surgical scholars. Results As the volume of GS scholarly work has increased, the focus of geriatric science has migrated toward clinical studies on frailty and geriatric syndromes. Our town hall meeting outlined the need for a multidisciplinary GS team. Our survey documented more interest in multidisciplinary sessions at national meetings rather than a new, unique society. Conclusions GS as a discipline is a multidisciplinary practice. Our data suggest that this unique characteristic speaks to the development of a clinical community rather than an independent society.