New York Times features UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine's geriatrics 'Learning by Living' program

The New York Times on Aug. 24, 2009 featured the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine's program of immersing medical students interested in geriatrics into nursing homes as residents for two weeks to get a patient's view of geriatric care.

The three-quarters-page Times story included photos and a five-minute online video.

The "Learning by Living" project was designed and piloted by Marilyn Gugliucci, Ph.D, UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine director of geriatric education and research, in 2005.  Since that time, 10 medical students have been "admitted" into nursing homes to live the life of an elder nursing home resident for two weeks - 24/7 - complete with a medical diagnosis and standard procedures of care. 

The Times story and video focused on 38-year-old UNE medical student Kristen Murphy, who spent 10 days as a resident of Sarah Neuman Center for Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Murphy, who is in perfect health, had to learn the best way to navigate a wheelchair around her small room, endure the humiliation that comes with being helped in the bathroom, try to sleep through night checks and become attuned to the emotions of her fellow residents.

As the Times reported, geriatric specialists hope the program and others like it help generate interest in the profession, one of the most underrepresented fields in medicine. Medical schools and residencies require little to no geriatric training, and many students are reluctant to get into the field because it is among the lowest paid in medicine.

In 2005, there was one geriatrician for every 5,000 people over 65, according to the American Geriatrics Society; by 2030 that ratio is expected to increase to one for every 8,000 patients. Geriatricians must participate in a two-year fellowship program after medical school to become certified. In 2007, only 253 of 400 fellowship slots were filled, and only 91 of the physicians graduated from medical school in the United States.

"When I came in, I was worried about working with older folks because I was afraid I wouldn't be good at it," Murphy said. "Now, if anything, I'm worried I'll love them too much and it will really hurt to work with folks at the end of their lives." The program has solidified Murphy's desire to work with older people.

In addition to the learning experienced by the medical students, nursing home administrators have expressed that the program has resulted in environment enhancements for their residents and increased staff sensitivity.

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.