About

Geri-a-FLOAT emerged on March 17, 2020, in response to the urgent needs of geriatric medicine fellows amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Originating from a collaboration between Drs. Ryan Chippendale, Colleen Christmas, Mariu Duggan, Anna Goroncy, and Josh Uy, our initiative aimed to provide ongoing education and support during a time of unprecedented challenges. 

Since its inception, Geri-a-FLOAT has evolved into a dynamic platform, with each wave building upon the last to deliver enriching educational experiences. Our curriculum, carefully crafted by our directors, encompasses diverse themes including clinical geriatrics, wellness, career development, educator training, and social determinants of health. Hailing from 47 states and over 20 countries, our learners form a global community committed to advancing geriatric medicine. 

Recognized for our innovation and impact, Geri-a-FLOAT has garnered numerous awards and contributed scholarly work to leading publications. Our success is indebted to the dedication of our volunteer educators, the invaluable feedback from fellows, the support of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and the inspiring stories shared by our community. 

Together, we continue to elevate and empower one another, guided by our shared mission to be a beacon of learning, connection, and support in the field of geriatric medicine. 

1. Excellence in Education: We are committed to delivering high-quality educational content that enriches the knowledge and skills of our participants. Through engaging presentations, discussions, and interactive sessions, we strive to equip future geriatricians with the tools they need to excel in their careers.

2. Inclusivity and Diversity: We believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives feel valued and respected. By embracing diversity, we enrich our collective learning experience and foster innovation in geriatric care.

3. Community and Collaboration: Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We facilitate connections among future and current geriatricians, encouraging networking, mentorship, and collaboration across borders. By coming together as a community, we can address the complex challenges facing aging populations worldwide more effectively.

4. Innovation: The challenges facing the field of geriatric medicine call for innovative and out-of-the box thinking. We are constantly seeking to disseminate innovative approaches to caring for older adults, while using innovative methods to teach our learners. 

5. Continuous Learning and Growth: The field of geriatric medicine is constantly evolving, and so are we. We are committed to lifelong learning and continuous improvement, staying abreast of the latest research, best practices, and innovations in geriatric care. Through ongoing education and professional development opportunities, we empower our community members to grow personally and professionally.

Our commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment extends across all our interactions, whether in synchronous sessions or through social media engagement. 

Inclusion 

We celebrate diversity in all its forms, welcoming participants from every discipline, background, and identity. We firmly stand against discrimination based on age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, socioeconomic class, disability, educational level, political belief, or religion. 

Generous Listening

At the heart of our community is a dedication to generous listening. We prioritize understanding over being understood, valuing every perspective, and refraining from judgment. In our discussions, we actively engage through attentive chat participation and respectful conduct. 

Better together 

We believe in the power of sharing and collaboration. We respect the creative efforts of our presenters. If you wish to utilize content shared during sessions, we encourage seeking permission and crediting the original creators. 

Confidentiality 

Central to our community is trust and mutual support, which thrive on openness and vulnerability. To cultivate this environment, we uphold confidentiality in breakout discussions, ensuring personal matters remain private unless explicitly agreed upon for broader sharing.