Where is SONS Secretariat?

The Samenwerkende Opleidingen tot specialist Ouderengeneeskunde Nederland (SONS) focuses on advanced training for geriatric medicine specialists. This campus serves as the central hub for coordination and educational programs.

• Core curriculum includes geriatric assessment and diagnosis, covering age-related diseases such as dementia, osteoporosis, and frailty.
• Training in multidisciplinary care, emphasizing collaboration with nurses, physiotherapists, and social workers in elderly care settings.
• Advanced modules on palliative care, end-of-life decisions, and ethical issues in geriatrics.
• Practical rotations in nursing homes, hospitals, and community health centers to apply theoretical knowledge.
• Research components involve studies on aging populations, preventive geriatrics, and innovative treatments for chronic conditions.
• Workshops on communication skills for dealing with elderly patients and their families.
• Leadership training for future heads of geriatric departments.
• Integration of digital health tools for monitoring elderly patients remotely.

The program spans three years, combining theoretical lectures, clinical practice, and self-directed learning to produce competent specialists in older adult medicine. Emphasis is placed on holistic care, addressing physical, psychological, and social aspects of aging. Participants engage in case-based learning and simulations to handle complex geriatric syndromes. The curriculum is aligned with national and European standards for specialist training, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based education. Continuous assessment through portfolios, exams, and supervisor feedback ensures progressive skill development. SONS collaborates with various medical centers across the Netherlands to provide diverse clinical exposures, from urban to rural settings.