The grant was submitted through the effort and leadership of Cecilia Rokusek, Ed.D., M.S., R.D., executive director of education, planning, and research and GREAT GEC executive director.

"This grant is imperative to better the lives of South Florida's elderly population, which is the largest percentage of the total population in the country," Rokusek said. "This grant allows the GEC to expand cutting-edge training programs and evidence-based practice research for students, faculty, and practicing geriatric professionals."

As Americans continue to age, she said, the percentage of total time provided by physicians and other geriatric professionals for patient care could increase to 39 percent nationally by 2020. Integrated geriatric curriculum is critical in helping to meet the growing needs of the population 65 years and older. Florida is helping to the lead the way through programs like the GECs.

Source : Nova Southeastern University