This marks the first BOS meeting not chaired by founding director, A/Prof Benny Katz and the BOS gratefully acknowledged his commitment to VGMTP. This allowed for reflection on the growth of Geriatric Medicine ATs from 30 in 2007 to 137 in 2024.

Training sessions

• Attendance at training sessions remains good with the average attendance in 2024 remaining above 90.
• Feedback (provided via the FIGM run sessions) remains positive. ATs enjoy a mix of didactic presentations, cases and panel discussions
• Recording of sessions
  • Teaching sessions continue to be recorded which allows ATs to revisit sessions or to access training if they are not available on the training day.

Communication Skills

• BOS acknowledged the death of Dr Jenny Schwarz, the previous lead in Communication Skills, who made immense contributions to VGMTP
• Feedback remains excellent with ATs feeling challenged but keen to return for future sessions.

Nurse Practitioner Discussion Group

• Noting one of VGMT’s aims is to provide “Education and training initiatives targeting other stakeholders who provide medical care for older people” VGMTP has commenced a Nurse Practitioner Discussion Group
• Feedback from these early sessions has been very positive
• The aim is to schedule the discussion groups throughout 2025 utilising the VGMTP recorded sessions to provide the content for discussion
• DOT will provide geriatrician support to these discussions in 2025

Recruitment for 2025

• We welcome the appointment of the FIGMS for 2025
  • Dr Philip Chan – NTA
  • Dr Philip Belleville – SETA
  • Dr Maria Shimim – WTA
• Single Round Match in 2024. This year saw the first single round match for recruitment of geriatric medicine ATs. While the match was overall successful with around 95% of continuing trainees being matched, discussion focused on the uncertainty of the new process for ATs and recruiting services, the workload and AT concerns about employment opportunities.

Planning for 2025

• An exciting program for 2025 was discussed and planned. The 2025 program will be released with the commencement of the 2025 training year.

Dr Rohan Wee

Co-Director, VGMTP