A Program for the Study and Support of Caregivers - An Innovative Model for US Medical Schools

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Jacob

Formal (paid) and informal (unpaid) caregivers are essential for older adults’ health, yet caregiving demands are rarely matched by systematic engagement and support in health care settings. The Program for the Study and Support of Caregivers at Weill Cornell Medicine is described as the first US medical school–based program of its kind, bringing together a multidisciplinary team. Its research-patient-care-education integration supports discover, care, and teach, aiming to study gaps, implement evidence-based initiatives, and train providers for family-centered care.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Session 1170 (Symposium)

Caregiving needs and gaps

Program overview at Weill Cornell Medicine

Three program pillars: discover, care, teach

Research component and evidence-based programs

Practice-based initiatives for caregiver support

Educational programming for family-centered care

Discussant conversation and nationwide relevance

54 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 SESSION 1170 (SYMPOSIUM) Abstract citation ID: igaf122.177 A PROGRAM FOR THE STUDY AND SUPPORT OF CAREGIVERS: AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR US MEDICAL SCHOOLS Chair: Sara Czaja Discussant: Mark Lachs Formal (paid) and informal (unpaid) caregivers play crucial roles in supporting the health and well-being of older adults with chronic and disabling health conditions. The physical and emotional demands of caregiving are profound, yet caregivers are not systematically engaged or supported in health care settings. The Program for the Study and Support of Caregivers at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) is the first program of its kind within a US medical school. It convenes a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, and educators to address the most pressing topics and knowledge gaps in the field of caregiving. A unique feature of our Program is the synergistic integration between our research patient care, and educational programs, which allows us to implement and disseminate findings to our patient and caregiving populations. This symposium is organized according to the Program’s three pillars: discover, care, teach. Following the first presentation, which will provide an overview of the Program’s vision, structure, and unique features (Czaja), subsequent presentations will describe (1) our world class research component that aims to address pressing gaps in the research landscape by designing, adapting, and implementing evidence-based programs (Sterling),(2) innovative practice-based initiatives that will promote caregiver assessment, education, and support in clinical practice (Adelman), and (3) comprehensive educational programing utilizing didactic teaching, reflective practice, and experiential learning methods to prepare trainees to deliver high-quality, family-centered care (Phongtankuel).Our discussant Dr. Lachs, will lead a conversation about the Program’s significance and potential to serve as model for the study and support of caregivers nationwide.

FAQs

Why is caregiver support considered a major gap in health care settings?

Caregiving for older adults with chronic and disabling conditions carries significant physical and emotional demands, but caregivers are not systematically engaged or supported in existing health care environments.

What makes the Weill Cornell Medicine program distinct?

It is the first program of its kind within a US medical school and uniquely integrates research patient care with educational programs to implement and disseminate findings to patients and caregiving populations.

How does the symposium structure the program’s activities?

It is organized around three pillars—discover, care, and teach—covering program vision, a research component for evidence-based interventions, practice-based initiatives for caregiver assessment and support, and education to prepare trainees for family-centered care.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Jacob