Global education and training in geriatrics: mapping transnational initiatives and their complementarities

Román Romero-Ortuño; Hidenori Arai; Prasert Assantachai; José Alberto Avila Funes; Rosette Farrugia-Bonello; Siobhan Casey; Liang-Kung Chen; Gary Cheung; Jugdeep Dhesi; Fiona Ecarnot; Leon Flicker; Tamàs Fülöp; Ashish Goel; Adam L Gordon; Radhouane Gouiaa; Celia L Gregson; Luis Miguel Gutiérrez Robledo; José Ricardo Jauregui; Marina Kotsani; Jūratė Macijauskienė; Stefania Maggi; Finbarr C Martin; Tahir Masud; Reshma A Merchant; Jean-Pierre Michel; Manuel Montero-Odasso; Patricia Morsch; Thomas Münzer; Balakrishnan Kichu Nair; José F Parodi; Grace M E Pearson; Mirko Petrovic; Karolina Piotrowicz; Regina Roller-Wirnsberger; Cornel C Sieber; Gregor Sneddon; Maw Pin Tan; Nathalie van der Velde; Rohan Wee; Michael Vassallo; M Cristina Polidori

doi:10.1007/s41999-026-01418-w

Global education and training in geriatrics: mapping transnational initiatives and their complementarities

Román Romero-Ortuño^*, Hidenori Arai, Prasert Assantachai, José Alberto Avila Funes, Rosette Farrugia-Bonello, Siobhan Casey, Liang-Kung Chen, Gary Cheung, Jugdeep Dhesi, Fiona Ecarnot, Leon Flicker, Tamàs Fülöp, Ashish Goel, Adam L Gordon, Radhouane Gouiaa, Celia L Gregson, Luis Miguel Gutiérrez Robledo, José Ricardo Jauregui, Marina Kotsani, Jūratė MacijauskienėStefania Maggi, Finbarr C Martin, Tahir Masud, Reshma A Merchant, Jean-Pierre Michel, Manuel Montero-Odasso, Patricia Morsch, Thomas Münzer, Balakrishnan Kichu Nair, José F Parodi, Grace M E Pearson, Mirko Petrovic, Karolina Piotrowicz, Regina Roller-Wirnsberger, Cornel C Sieber, Gregor Sneddon, Maw Pin Tan, Nathalie van der Velde, Rohan Wee, Michael Vassallo, M Cristina Polidori

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article (Academic Journal) › peer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose:

To map and characterise major transnational initiatives in geriatrics education and training, and explore complementarities as a basis for a more integrated and equitable global framework.

Methods:

A mapping exercise and expert consultation were undertaken by the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) Special Interest Group on Education and Training between January and October 2025, including a meeting of international experts during the Twenty-First EuGMS Congress in Reykjavík. Eligible initiatives operated across national borders with an explicit mandate in education and training related to geriatrics and were not confined to a specific topic or subspecialty. Each initiative was profiled by scope, target audience, and contributions, and classified within a three-tier framework: (1) foundational capacity-building, (2) professional and interprofessional development, and (3) leadership and specialist advancement.

Results:

Seventeen initiatives were identified. Tier 1 included the International Federation on Ageing (IFA), International Institute on Ageing, United Nations–Malta (INIA), PAHO’s ACAPEM (Basic), ASEAN’s Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ASEAN–ACAI), IAGG’s e-Training in Gerontology and Geriatrics (e-TRIGGER) programmes, WHO’s Integrated Care for Older People (WHO ICOPE approach), and AfriAGE. Tier 2 included the IAGG, EuGMS, EICA, PROGRAMMING CA2112, Victorian Geriatric Medicine Training Programme (VGMTP), and ACAPEM (Intermediate); and Tier 3 was represented by leadership academies (EAMA, ALMA, MEAMA/MENAAA, and AAMA), and UEMS–GMS.

Conclusion:

Collectively, these programmes form a considerably disjointed but potentially complementary global ecosystem for geriatrics education. Greater mutual awareness and alignment, anchored in equity and interprofessional inclusion, could enhance efficiency and sustainability in developing the global geriatrics workforce.

Original language	English
Number of pages	23
Journal	European Geriatric Medicine
Early online date	3 Feb 2026
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-026-01418-w
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 3 Feb 2026

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Publisher Copyright:
© 2026. The Author(s).

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Romero-Ortuño, R., Arai, H., Assantachai, P., Avila Funes, J. A., Farrugia-Bonello, R., Casey, S., Chen, L.-K., Cheung, G., Dhesi, J., Ecarnot, F., Flicker, L., Fülöp, T., Goel, A., Gordon, A. L., Gouiaa, R., Gregson, C. L., Gutiérrez Robledo, L. M., Jauregui, J. R., Kotsani, M., ... Polidori, M. C. (2026). Global education and training in geriatrics: mapping transnational initiatives and their complementarities. European Geriatric Medicine. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-026-01418-w

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title = "Global education and training in geriatrics: mapping transnational initiatives and their complementarities",

abstract = "Purpose:To map and characterise major transnational initiatives in geriatrics education and training, and explore complementarities as a basis for a more integrated and equitable global framework. Methods:A mapping exercise and expert consultation were undertaken by the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) Special Interest Group on Education and Training between January and October 2025, including a meeting of international experts during the Twenty-First EuGMS Congress in Reykjav{\'i}k. Eligible initiatives operated across national borders with an explicit mandate in education and training related to geriatrics and were not confined to a specific topic or subspecialty. Each initiative was profiled by scope, target audience, and contributions, and classified within a three-tier framework: (1) foundational capacity-building, (2) professional and interprofessional development, and (3) leadership and specialist advancement. Results:Seventeen initiatives were identified. Tier 1 included the International Federation on Ageing (IFA), International Institute on Ageing, United Nations–Malta (INIA), PAHO{\textquoteright}s ACAPEM (Basic), ASEAN{\textquoteright}s Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ASEAN–ACAI), IAGG{\textquoteright}s e-Training in Gerontology and Geriatrics (e-TRIGGER) programmes, WHO{\textquoteright}s Integrated Care for Older People (WHO ICOPE approach), and AfriAGE. Tier 2 included the IAGG, EuGMS, EICA, PROGRAMMING CA2112, Victorian Geriatric Medicine Training Programme (VGMTP), and ACAPEM (Intermediate); and Tier 3 was represented by leadership academies (EAMA, ALMA, MEAMA/MENAAA, and AAMA), and UEMS–GMS. Conclusion:Collectively, these programmes form a considerably disjointed but potentially complementary global ecosystem for geriatrics education. Greater mutual awareness and alignment, anchored in equity and interprofessional inclusion, could enhance efficiency and sustainability in developing the global geriatrics workforce.",

author = "Rom{\'a}n Romero-Ortu{\~n}o and Hidenori Arai and Prasert Assantachai and \{Avila Funes\}, \{Jos{\'e} Alberto\} and Rosette Farrugia-Bonello and Siobhan Casey and Liang-Kung Chen and Gary Cheung and Jugdeep Dhesi and Fiona Ecarnot and Leon Flicker and Tam{\`a}s F{\"u}l{\"o}p and Ashish Goel and Gordon, \{Adam L\} and Radhouane Gouiaa and Gregson, \{Celia L\} and \{Guti{\'e}rrez Robledo\}, \{Luis Miguel\} and Jauregui, \{Jos{\'e} Ricardo\} and Marina Kotsani and Jūratė Macijauskienė and Stefania Maggi and Martin, \{Finbarr C\} and Tahir Masud and Merchant, \{Reshma A\} and Jean-Pierre Michel and Manuel Montero-Odasso and Patricia Morsch and Thomas M{\"u}nzer and Nair, \{Balakrishnan Kichu\} and Parodi, \{Jos{\'e} F\} and Pearson, \{Grace M E\} and Mirko Petrovic and Karolina Piotrowicz and Regina Roller-Wirnsberger and Sieber, \{Cornel C\} and Gregor Sneddon and Tan, \{Maw Pin\} and \{van der Velde\}, Nathalie and Rohan Wee and Michael Vassallo and Polidori, \{M Cristina\}",

note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2026. The Author(s).",

year = "2026",

month = feb,

day = "3",

doi = "10.1007/s41999-026-01418-w",

language = "English",

journal = "European Geriatric Medicine",

issn = "1878-7649",

publisher = "Amsterdam:Elsevier",

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Romero-Ortuño, R, Arai, H, Assantachai, P, Avila Funes, JA, Farrugia-Bonello, R, Casey, S, Chen, L-K, Cheung, G, Dhesi, J, Ecarnot, F, Flicker, L, Fülöp, T, Goel, A, Gordon, AL, Gouiaa, R, Gregson, CL, Gutiérrez Robledo, LM, Jauregui, JR, Kotsani, M, Macijauskienė, J, Maggi, S, Martin, FC, Masud, T, Merchant, RA, Michel, J-P, Montero-Odasso, M, Morsch, P, Münzer, T, Nair, BK, Parodi, JF, Pearson, GME, Petrovic, M, Piotrowicz, K, Roller-Wirnsberger, R, Sieber, CC, Sneddon, G, Tan, MP, van der Velde, N, Wee, R, Vassallo, M & Polidori, MC 2026, 'Global education and training in geriatrics: mapping transnational initiatives and their complementarities', European Geriatric Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-026-01418-w

TY - JOUR

T1 - Global education and training in geriatrics: mapping transnational initiatives and their complementarities

AU - Romero-Ortuño, Román

AU - Arai, Hidenori

AU - Assantachai, Prasert

AU - Avila Funes, José Alberto

AU - Farrugia-Bonello, Rosette

AU - Casey, Siobhan

AU - Chen, Liang-Kung

AU - Cheung, Gary

AU - Dhesi, Jugdeep

AU - Ecarnot, Fiona

AU - Flicker, Leon

AU - Fülöp, Tamàs

AU - Goel, Ashish

AU - Gordon, Adam L

AU - Gouiaa, Radhouane

AU - Gregson, Celia L

AU - Gutiérrez Robledo, Luis Miguel

AU - Jauregui, José Ricardo

AU - Kotsani, Marina

AU - Macijauskienė, Jūratė

AU - Maggi, Stefania

AU - Martin, Finbarr C

AU - Masud, Tahir

AU - Merchant, Reshma A

AU - Michel, Jean-Pierre

AU - Montero-Odasso, Manuel

AU - Morsch, Patricia

AU - Münzer, Thomas

AU - Nair, Balakrishnan Kichu

AU - Parodi, José F

AU - Pearson, Grace M E

AU - Petrovic, Mirko

AU - Piotrowicz, Karolina

AU - Roller-Wirnsberger, Regina

AU - Sieber, Cornel C

AU - Sneddon, Gregor

AU - Tan, Maw Pin

AU - van der Velde, Nathalie

AU - Wee, Rohan

AU - Vassallo, Michael

AU - Polidori, M Cristina

PY - 2026/2/3

Y1 - 2026/2/3

N2 - Purpose:To map and characterise major transnational initiatives in geriatrics education and training, and explore complementarities as a basis for a more integrated and equitable global framework. Methods:A mapping exercise and expert consultation were undertaken by the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) Special Interest Group on Education and Training between January and October 2025, including a meeting of international experts during the Twenty-First EuGMS Congress in Reykjavík. Eligible initiatives operated across national borders with an explicit mandate in education and training related to geriatrics and were not confined to a specific topic or subspecialty. Each initiative was profiled by scope, target audience, and contributions, and classified within a three-tier framework: (1) foundational capacity-building, (2) professional and interprofessional development, and (3) leadership and specialist advancement. Results:Seventeen initiatives were identified. Tier 1 included the International Federation on Ageing (IFA), International Institute on Ageing, United Nations–Malta (INIA), PAHO’s ACAPEM (Basic), ASEAN’s Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ASEAN–ACAI), IAGG’s e-Training in Gerontology and Geriatrics (e-TRIGGER) programmes, WHO’s Integrated Care for Older People (WHO ICOPE approach), and AfriAGE. Tier 2 included the IAGG, EuGMS, EICA, PROGRAMMING CA2112, Victorian Geriatric Medicine Training Programme (VGMTP), and ACAPEM (Intermediate); and Tier 3 was represented by leadership academies (EAMA, ALMA, MEAMA/MENAAA, and AAMA), and UEMS–GMS. Conclusion:Collectively, these programmes form a considerably disjointed but potentially complementary global ecosystem for geriatrics education. Greater mutual awareness and alignment, anchored in equity and interprofessional inclusion, could enhance efficiency and sustainability in developing the global geriatrics workforce.

AB - Purpose:To map and characterise major transnational initiatives in geriatrics education and training, and explore complementarities as a basis for a more integrated and equitable global framework. Methods:A mapping exercise and expert consultation were undertaken by the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) Special Interest Group on Education and Training between January and October 2025, including a meeting of international experts during the Twenty-First EuGMS Congress in Reykjavík. Eligible initiatives operated across national borders with an explicit mandate in education and training related to geriatrics and were not confined to a specific topic or subspecialty. Each initiative was profiled by scope, target audience, and contributions, and classified within a three-tier framework: (1) foundational capacity-building, (2) professional and interprofessional development, and (3) leadership and specialist advancement. Results:Seventeen initiatives were identified. Tier 1 included the International Federation on Ageing (IFA), International Institute on Ageing, United Nations–Malta (INIA), PAHO’s ACAPEM (Basic), ASEAN’s Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ASEAN–ACAI), IAGG’s e-Training in Gerontology and Geriatrics (e-TRIGGER) programmes, WHO’s Integrated Care for Older People (WHO ICOPE approach), and AfriAGE. Tier 2 included the IAGG, EuGMS, EICA, PROGRAMMING CA2112, Victorian Geriatric Medicine Training Programme (VGMTP), and ACAPEM (Intermediate); and Tier 3 was represented by leadership academies (EAMA, ALMA, MEAMA/MENAAA, and AAMA), and UEMS–GMS. Conclusion:Collectively, these programmes form a considerably disjointed but potentially complementary global ecosystem for geriatrics education. Greater mutual awareness and alignment, anchored in equity and interprofessional inclusion, could enhance efficiency and sustainability in developing the global geriatrics workforce.

U2 - 10.1007/s41999-026-01418-w

DO - 10.1007/s41999-026-01418-w

M3 - Article (Academic Journal)

C2 - 41632375

SN - 1878-7649

JO - European Geriatric Medicine

JF - European Geriatric Medicine

ER -

Global education and training in geriatrics: mapping transnational initiatives and their complementarities

Abstract

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