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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Program

Indian Health Geriatric Scholars (GeriScholars)

Doctor and patient

The Indian Health Geriatric Scholars (GeriScholars) Program helps primary care providers and pharmacists improve elder care, and offer a focus on dementia diagnosis and management. The GeriScholars Program was developed in partnership with the Veteran Affairs (VA) Office of Rural Health Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  and follows the successful VA Geriatric Scholars Program Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  model.

Program Overview

This year-long program provides health care professionals with intensive training, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities to strengthen elder care in their communities.

Each cohort is limited to 20 participants for a personalized learning experience.

During the year, GeriScholars:

  • Complete an intensive geriatrics training course through an approved program.
  • Develop and implement a mentored geriatric improvement project at their facility.
  • Participate in ongoing education, training, and peer support.

Training Requirements

Medical visit

Once accepted to the program, GeriScholars must enroll in one of the following intensive geriatric training programs:

The IHS Alzheimer's Program will reimburse the sponsoring facility for training costs after successful course completion. For questions about training enrollment or reimbursement, email the TRIAD Team.

Time and Commitment

In addition to the time needed for attendance at the selected intensive geriatric training program and the time devoted to the local improvement project, GeriScholars are expected to attend the following virtual meetings:

  • Orientation to the GeriScholars Program (August 2025 / 1 hour)
  • Improvement Project Orientation (October 2025 / 1 hour)
  • Two group coaching calls (October 2025 – May 2026 / 1 hour each)
  • Final project presentation (May 2026)

Eligibility

The GeriScholars Program is open to the following health care providers working in IHS, tribal, or urban Indian health programs:

  • Primary Care Physicians
  • Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
  • Physician Assistants (PAs)
  • Pharmacists

Applicants must provide an endorsement from the CEO or clinical supervisor of the sponsoring facility.