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

GeriScholars FAQs

patient and medical provider

The IHS Alzheimer’s Program, a program of the Office of Clinical and Preventive Services (OCPS), Division of Clinical and Community Services (DCCS), coordinates the Indian Health GeriScholars pilot.

Send your completed application by email to TRIAD Team

Indian Health Geriatric Scholars Pilot — Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who is eligible?

To be considered for the program, you must work in IHS, tribal, or urban Indian health programs as one of the following:

  • Primary care physician
  • Nurse practitioner (NPs)
  • Physician assistant (PAs)
  • Pharmacist

Q2. How do I apply?

To apply, download and complete the application form. As part of the application, you must also:

  • Get an endorsement from the CEO or clinical supervisor of your sponsoring facility.
  • Select an approved intensive geriatric training course.
  • Commit to completing the local improvement project and attending required meetings.

Send your completed application by email to TRIAD Team

Q3. How do I enroll in the required training courses

After acceptance into the GeriScholars program, enroll in one of the following approved geriatric training courses:

To enroll:

  • Follow your sponsoring program’s usual training request process.
  • The IHS Alzheimer's Program will reimburse your facility after you complete the training.

Do not pay for the registration personally. IHS DCCS cannot reimburse you directly for registration and can only refund your IHS, tribal, or urban Indian health program for these costs.

Final acceptance into the GeriScholars Program requires proof of course enrollment.

Q4. What is the time commitment?

In addition to the time needed to plan and complete your improvement project, you are required 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)

Q5. Who do I contact for questions or help with the application?

Please email the TRIAD Team to connect with a staff member who can help.

Q6. What can I use the optional $1,500 for and how do I request the money?

After you have finished your initial training and final project presentation, you can request additional funding (up to $1,500) to use for additional geriatric-specific advanced training, certification courses or exams, or other resources to support geriatric patient care.

You will email the TRIAD Team with your request and if approved, you will follow your facility’s process for enrollment and payment. IHS will only reimburse your program for the costs. Do not pay for the registration personally.