Student Clubs and Organizations

American Geriatrics Society/UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine Student Chapter

Co-Presidents: Matthew Clark, MSI and Jennifer Kodela, MSI
Treasurer: Andrea Gaul, MSI
Advisor: Marilyn R. Gugliucci, Ph.D.

Membership

Membership is open to COM MS I, II, III, and IV. Free membership to the American Geriatrics Society with access to online journals.

See the American Geriatrics Society website for details.

Mission

The Mission of the COM AGS Student Chapter is to promote geriatrics and develop professional and personal expertise for students and faculty in providing health care for and working with older adults.

Objectives

  1. To support the mission and objectives of the American Geriatrics Society.
  2. To increase the awareness of elders’ needs across cultures including ethnicity, lifestyle, economics and educational diversities; supporting the heterogeneity/individuality of elders.
  3. To increase knowledge and skills in treating chronic and acute diseases afflicting older adults using medications, osteopathic manipulative medicine, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), and other modalities.
  4. To provide opportunities to learn about and conduct translational research on aging, including providing support to apply for age-related research scholarships.
  5. To develop and promote educational activities in geriatrics/gerontology within COM and the community at large.
  6. Mentor undergraduate and graduate health professions students and medical students through the provision of educational programs and other events related to aging/geriatrics.
  7. Work with COM administration and faculty to increase geriatrics in the curriculum.
  8. Develop, implement and maintain a buddy program with community older adults and UNE students.

Student Volunteer Leadership

  • AGS Club members designed and implemented a new Buddy Program with older adults in the surrounding communities. Through a social worker, students in the club have been matched up with older adult companions whom they visit once or twice a month.
  • AGS Club members participated in this year’s Osteoblast held in the beginning of March. They spoke to incoming students about the variety of activities AGS Club members participate in, and also held three rounds of bingo.
  • AGS Club members volunteered every Saturday afternoon at the Monarch Center in Saco, ME, which is a residence for elderly patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. Each week students created a new activity to do with a group of the residents at the center.
  • AGS Club members made 150 stockings for vets. Tube socks were stuffed with goodies and tied up with ribbon and candy canes and delivered as holiday gifts for veterans at the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough.