Geriatric Medicine

Fellowship in Grand Rapids

Welcome from the Program Director

Since our population is aging, it is vital that physicians receive training in geriatric medicine. In fact, according to the American Geriatrics Society there will be approximately 70 million people over the age of 65 by the year 2030. Unfortunately, the overall number of geriatricians in the United States is actually decreasing and there will be a critical shortage of geriatricians in the next 20 years.

In order to help meet this demand, we are pleased to offer a position in the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Geriatric Fellowship Program for those who have been trained in either family medicine or internal medicine. This is a one year clinically oriented fellowship based in Grand Rapids, Michigan that will train physicians in the care of the elderly. In addition, fellows will be integrated with the fellowship program established in East Lansing, Michigan, creating a system-wide network learning experience.

As a community that is widely expanding in medical care, Grand Rapids offers many unique opportunities. It is home to the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and several physicians trained in geriatric medicine currently practice in the area as part of the faculty for the Division of Geriatrics. These physicians will be fully involved in the fellowship program offering unique perspectives.

In addition, Grand Rapids is home to several Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) including the first registered CCRC and largest non-profit provider of senior services in the state of Michigan. Fellows will be able to take advantage of this learning opportunity and many other learning opportunities that this area has to offer.

I encourage physicians to apply for this unique opportunity!

Rob Riekse, M.D

Read a letter from Kevin T. Foley, MD, FACP, Director of Education and Clinical Operations, Division of Geriatrics, Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University (PDF, 61KB)

Program Overview

We are pleased to announce the availability of a fellowship position in the Grand Rapids Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program, which is associated with Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital. Trinity Health has a rich tradition in medical education and has formed a consortium partnership with leading health care entities across the state of Michigan. The curriculum will include experiences in subacute or long-term care, inpatient medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, geropsychiatry, and memory disorders.

Opportunities for elective rotations are also available. The geriatric medicine fellowship program participates in the Match process. Pending availability, a one-year position may be available “off cycle.” A generous package of upper level GME compensation and benefits will be provided for accepted fellows. For more information, contact the Program Manager, Janese Branski at Janese.Branski@trinity-health.org. 

Program Highlights

Under the aegis of Trinity Health Grand Rapids, this program will take advantage of the resources of Trinity Health Medical Group, Faith Hospice, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital, Holland Home, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and Michigan State University, as well as other prominent West Michigan health care entities.

The program is under the direction of Robert Riekse, MD. Dr. Riekse is a fellowship trained geriatrician with CAQ in Geriatrics who has practiced in West Michigan for over ten years.

Program Aims

• Train physicians to be competent in caring for older persons with complicated medical illnesses.
• Enable our fellows to successfully pass the geriatric medicine board exam offered through ABIM or ABFM.
• Explore with each fellow possible career opportunities in geriatric medicine focusing primarily on clinical opportunities.
• Allow the fellow to participate and complete a research project during the fellowship and to present his/her findings at either a regional or national conference.
• Encourage the fellow to participate in a quality assurance and performance improvement project.