Samenwerkende Opleidingen tot specialist Ouderengeneeskunde Nederland Campuses

At the Amsterdam UMC site under SONS, the focus is on urban geriatric challenges within a leading academic medical center.

• Specialized courses in neurology of aging, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's management.
• Cardiovascular geriatrics, addressing heart failure and stroke in the elderly.
• Oncology in older adults, with chemotherapy adaptations and geriatric oncology assessments.
• Mobility and rehabilitation programs, incorporating physical therapy for fall prevention.
• Mental health in geriatrics, covering depression, delirium, and cognitive behavioral interventions.
• Emergency geriatrics, training in acute care for frail patients.
• Policy and public health aspects of aging populations in metropolitan areas.
• Interprofessional education with simulations for team-based care.

This location offers hands-on experience in a high-volume hospital setting, with access to advanced diagnostics like MRI and PET scans tailored for geriatric patients. The three-year residency includes weekly seminars, journal clubs, and research projects on urban elderly health disparities. Trainees rotate through inpatient, outpatient, and home care services, gaining expertise in comprehensive geriatric evaluations. Emphasis on evidence-based practice and innovation in telemedicine for homebound seniors. Collaboration with VUmc Amsterdam enhances the program's breadth, covering both locational and VU campuses. Graduates are prepared for leadership in academic and clinical geriatrics, contributing to national guidelines on elder care.

The Erasmus MC Rotterdam site for SONS emphasizes research-intensive geriatric training in a diverse port city environment.

• Focus on metabolic disorders in aging, such as diabetes and nutritional deficiencies.
• Rheumatology and orthopedics for elderly, including joint replacements and pain management.
• Infectious diseases in geriatrics, with emphasis on vaccination and antibiotic stewardship.
• Transplant geriatrics, evaluating elderly candidates for organ transplants.
• Social geriatrics, addressing immigration and cultural aspects in elderly care.
• Advanced imaging and lab techniques for diagnosing geriatric syndromes.
• Quality improvement projects in long-term care facilities.
• Teaching skills development for future educators in geriatrics.

Trainees participate in cutting-edge research at this top-ranked medical center, with opportunities for PhD tracks in aging biology. The curriculum integrates clinical rotations in acute geriatrics, rehab units, and outpatient clinics, fostering skills in polypharmacy management and deprescribing. Monthly grand rounds and international guest lectures enrich the learning experience. The program addresses Rotterdam's multicultural elderly population, promoting culturally sensitive care. Practical training includes home visits and nursing home rounds, building expertise in community geriatrics. SONS ensures standardized training across sites, with Rotterdam highlighting translational research from bench to bedside for age-related diseases.

Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) under SONS offers training with a strong immunology and molecular biology slant in geriatrics.

• Immunogeriatrics, exploring immune decline and vaccination responses.
• Nephrology in the elderly, managing kidney disease and dialysis.
• Ophthalmology and audiology for age-related sensory loss.
• Bioethics in geriatric research and trials.
• Molecular mechanisms of aging and longevity studies.
• Translational geriatrics, from lab discoveries to clinical application.
• Patient safety and error prevention in elderly care.
• Global health perspectives on aging in developing contexts.

This site provides access to world-class labs for biomarker research in aging. Clinical training covers specialized units like frailty clinics and geropsychiatry wards. The program integrates basic science with practice, encouraging residents to publish on immunosenescence. SONS collaboration allows rotations to other centers for diverse cases. Emphasis on precision medicine tailored to geriatric patients. Home care and hospice experiences build end-of-life care skills. Graduates are equipped for academic careers, advancing knowledge in immunologic aspects of aging and contributing to national geriatric policies.

Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), a SONS partner in the south, focuses on cross-border and cardiovascular geriatrics.

• Cardiogeriatrics, specialized in heart disease prevention and treatment.
• Borderline geriatrics, addressing binational elderly care issues.
• Musculoskeletal health, with osteoporosis screening and therapy.
• Sleep medicine in aging, managing insomnia and sleep apnea.
• Economics of geriatric care and resource allocation.
• Problem-based learning in small groups for complex cases.
• International exchanges with European geriatric programs.
• Sustainability in elderly healthcare delivery.

The innovative PBL approach at MUMC+ fosters critical thinking in geriatric scenarios. Rotations include cardiac rehab and vascular clinics adapted for seniors. Research opportunities in the CARIM (Cardiovascular Research Institute) apply to aging hearts. SONS ensures integrated training with emphasis on southern Europe's aging demographics. Practical skills in echocardiography and vascular assessments are honed. Community involvement through local senior centers builds public health expertise. The program prepares specialists for collaborative, cost-effective care in resource-limited settings, enhancing Dutch geriatric medicine regionally and internationally.

Radboudumc in Nijmegen, part of SONS, specializes in patient-centered geriatric care with a focus on eastern Netherlands rural and urban interfaces.

• Gastroenterology in geriatrics, managing dysphagia and malnutrition.
• Hematology and immunology for elderly, including anemia and immune senescence.
• Rehabilitation medicine, with advanced prosthetics and assistive technologies.
• Pain and palliative care integration in chronic geriatric conditions.
• Genomics and personalized geriatrics, exploring genetic factors in aging.
• Community-based geriatrics, training in primary care collaborations.
• Quality of life assessments and patient-reported outcomes.
• Disaster preparedness for vulnerable elderly populations.

The training at this innovative center includes immersive experiences in integrated care models, blending hospital and community services. Residents conduct audits and implement changes in elderly care pathways. Research opportunities abound in the Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, focusing on sustainable aging. The curriculum covers comprehensive assessments using tools like the CGA (Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment). SONS facilitates inter-site exchanges for broader exposure. Emphasis on empathy and patient involvement in decision-making. Graduates excel in both clinical practice and research, contributing to evidence-based improvements in Dutch geriatric healthcare delivery.

The SONS Amsterdam Campus specializes in postgraduate training for geriatric medicine specialists, offering a comprehensive three-year AIOS (arts in opleiding tot specialist) program. This curriculum integrates theoretical education with hands-on clinical experience, focusing on the holistic care of elderly patients with complex health needs. Trainees develop expertise in managing age-related conditions such as dementia, frailty, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy.

• Core geriatric assessment and diagnostic skills, including comprehensive geriatric evaluations (CGE).
• Clinical rotations in acute geriatrics, covering delirium, falls, and mobility issues.
• Specialized modules in cognitive disorders, with emphasis on Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia management.
• Palliative and end-of-life care training, addressing ethical dilemmas and symptom control.
• Interdisciplinary teamwork, collaborating with physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers.
• Research components, teaching evidence-based practice and quality improvement projects in elderly care.
• Outpatient clinic experience in preventive geriatrics and chronic disease management.
• Community-based training in nursing homes and home care settings to understand transitional care.

The program at this campus emphasizes innovative approaches, including digital health tools for monitoring elderly patients and simulation-based learning for procedural skills like venipuncture and wound care. Trainees also engage in educational sessions on nutrition, osteoporosis, and incontinence management. With access to VU University Medical Center's advanced facilities, the curriculum fosters leadership in geriatric teams and advocacy for age-friendly healthcare policies. Over 300 hours of supervised practice ensure competency in handling emergencies like hip fractures and strokes in the geriatric population. Graduates are prepared for certification by the Dutch Society for Geriatrics, contributing to improved elderly care nationwide. This rigorous training not only builds clinical acumen but also promotes empathy and cultural sensitivity in diverse patient populations. The campus hosts regular workshops on emerging topics like telemedicine in geriatrics and the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable elders, ensuring trainees stay at the forefront of the field.

The SONS Groningen Campus specializes in postgraduate training for geriatric medicine specialists, offering a comprehensive three-year AIOS (arts in opleiding tot specialist) program. This curriculum integrates theoretical education with hands-on clinical experience, focusing on the holistic care of elderly patients with complex health needs. Trainees develop expertise in managing age-related conditions such as dementia, frailty, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy.

• Core geriatric assessment and diagnostic skills, including comprehensive geriatric evaluations (CGE).
• Clinical rotations in acute geriatrics, covering delirium, falls, and mobility issues.
• Specialized modules in cognitive disorders, with emphasis on Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia management.
• Palliative and end-of-life care training, addressing ethical dilemmas and symptom control.
• Interdisciplinary teamwork, collaborating with physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers.
• Research components, teaching evidence-based practice and quality improvement projects in elderly care.
• Outpatient clinic experience in preventive geriatrics and chronic disease management.
• Community-based training in nursing homes and home care settings to understand transitional care.

The program at this campus emphasizes innovative approaches, including digital health tools for monitoring elderly patients and simulation-based learning for procedural skills like venipuncture and wound care. Trainees also engage in educational sessions on nutrition, osteoporosis, and incontinence management. With access to UMCG's advanced facilities, the curriculum fosters leadership in geriatric teams and advocacy for age-friendly healthcare policies. Over 300 hours of supervised practice ensure competency in handling emergencies like hip fractures and strokes in the geriatric population. Graduates are prepared for certification by the Dutch Society for Geriatrics, contributing to improved elderly care nationwide. This rigorous training not only builds clinical acumen but also promotes empathy and cultural sensitivity in diverse patient populations. The campus hosts regular workshops on emerging topics like telemedicine in geriatrics and the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable elders, ensuring trainees stay at the forefront of the field.

The SONS Leiden Campus specializes in postgraduate training for geriatric medicine specialists, offering a comprehensive three-year AIOS (arts in opleiding tot specialist) program. This curriculum integrates theoretical education with hands-on clinical experience, focusing on the holistic care of elderly patients with complex health needs. Trainees develop expertise in managing age-related conditions such as dementia, frailty, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy.

• Core geriatric assessment and diagnostic skills, including comprehensive geriatric evaluations (CGE).
• Clinical rotations in acute geriatrics, covering delirium, falls, and mobility issues.
• Specialized modules in cognitive disorders, with emphasis on Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia management.
• Palliative and end-of-life care training, addressing ethical dilemmas and symptom control.
• Interdisciplinary teamwork, collaborating with physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers.
• Research components, teaching evidence-based practice and quality improvement projects in elderly care.
• Outpatient clinic experience in preventive geriatrics and chronic disease management.
• Community-based training in nursing homes and home care settings to understand transitional care.

The program at this campus emphasizes innovative approaches, including digital health tools for monitoring elderly patients and simulation-based learning for procedural skills like venipuncture and wound care. Trainees also engage in educational sessions on nutrition, osteoporosis, and incontinence management. With access to Leiden University Medical Center's advanced facilities, the curriculum fosters leadership in geriatric teams and advocacy for age-friendly healthcare policies. Over 300 hours of supervised practice ensure competency in handling emergencies like hip fractures and strokes in the geriatric population. Graduates are prepared for certification by the Dutch Society for Geriatrics, contributing to improved elderly care nationwide. This rigorous training not only builds clinical acumen but also promotes empathy and cultural sensitivity in diverse patient populations. The campus hosts regular workshops on emerging topics like telemedicine in geriatrics and the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable elders, ensuring trainees stay at the forefront of the field.

The SONS Maastricht Campus specializes in postgraduate training for geriatric medicine specialists, offering a comprehensive three-year AIOS (arts in opleiding tot specialist) program. This curriculum integrates theoretical education with hands-on clinical experience, focusing on the holistic care of elderly patients with complex health needs. Trainees develop expertise in managing age-related conditions such as dementia, frailty, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy.

• Core geriatric assessment and diagnostic skills, including comprehensive geriatric evaluations (CGE).
• Clinical rotations in acute geriatrics, covering delirium, falls, and mobility issues.
• Specialized modules in cognitive disorders, with emphasis on Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia management.
• Palliative and end-of-life care training, addressing ethical dilemmas and symptom control.
• Interdisciplinary teamwork, collaborating with physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers.
• Research components, teaching evidence-based practice and quality improvement projects in elderly care.
• Outpatient clinic experience in preventive geriatrics and chronic disease management.
• Community-based training in nursing homes and home care settings to understand transitional care.

The program at this campus emphasizes innovative approaches, including digital health tools for monitoring elderly patients and simulation-based learning for procedural skills like venipuncture and wound care. Trainees also engage in educational sessions on nutrition, osteoporosis, and incontinence management. With access to MUMC+'s advanced facilities, the curriculum fosters leadership in geriatric teams and advocacy for age-friendly healthcare policies. Over 300 hours of supervised practice ensure competency in handling emergencies like hip fractures and strokes in the geriatric population. Graduates are prepared for certification by the Dutch Society for Geriatrics, contributing to improved elderly care nationwide. This rigorous training not only builds clinical acumen but also promotes empathy and cultural sensitivity in diverse patient populations. The campus hosts regular workshops on emerging topics like telemedicine in geriatrics and the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable elders, ensuring trainees stay at the forefront of the field.

The SONS Nijmegen Campus specializes in postgraduate training for geriatric medicine specialists, offering a comprehensive three-year AIOS (arts in opleiding tot specialist) program. This curriculum integrates theoretical education with hands-on clinical experience, focusing on the holistic care of elderly patients with complex health needs. Trainees develop expertise in managing age-related conditions such as dementia, frailty, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy.

• Core geriatric assessment and diagnostic skills, including comprehensive geriatric evaluations (CGE).
• Clinical rotations in acute geriatrics, covering delirium, falls, and mobility issues.
• Specialized modules in cognitive disorders, with emphasis on Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia management.
• Palliative and end-of-life care training, addressing ethical dilemmas and symptom control.
• Interdisciplinary teamwork, collaborating with physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers.
• Research components, teaching evidence-based practice and quality improvement projects in elderly care.
• Outpatient clinic experience in preventive geriatrics and chronic disease management.
• Community-based training in nursing homes and home care settings to understand transitional care.

The program at this campus emphasizes innovative approaches, including digital health tools for monitoring elderly patients and simulation-based learning for procedural skills like venipuncture and wound care. Trainees also engage in educational sessions on nutrition, osteoporosis, and incontinence management. With access to Radboudumc's advanced facilities, the curriculum fosters leadership in geriatric teams and advocacy for age-friendly healthcare policies. Over 300 hours of supervised practice ensure competency in handling emergencies like hip fractures and strokes in the geriatric population. Graduates are prepared for certification by the Dutch Society for Geriatrics, contributing to improved elderly care nationwide. This rigorous training not only builds clinical acumen but also promotes empathy and cultural sensitivity in diverse patient populations. The campus hosts regular workshops on emerging topics like telemedicine in geriatrics and the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable elders, ensuring trainees stay at the forefront of the field.

The SONS Rotterdam Campus specializes in postgraduate training for geriatric medicine specialists, offering a comprehensive three-year AIOS (arts in opleiding tot specialist) program. This curriculum integrates theoretical education with hands-on clinical experience, focusing on the holistic care of elderly patients with complex health needs. Trainees develop expertise in managing age-related conditions such as dementia, frailty, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy.

• Core geriatric assessment and diagnostic skills, including comprehensive geriatric evaluations (CGE).
• Clinical rotations in acute geriatrics, covering delirium, falls, and mobility issues.
• Specialized modules in cognitive disorders, with emphasis on Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia management.
• Palliative and end-of-life care training, addressing ethical dilemmas and symptom control.
• Interdisciplinary teamwork, collaborating with physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers.
• Research components, teaching evidence-based practice and quality improvement projects in elderly care.
• Outpatient clinic experience in preventive geriatrics and chronic disease management.
• Community-based training in nursing homes and home care settings to understand transitional care.

The program at this campus emphasizes innovative approaches, including digital health tools for monitoring elderly patients and simulation-based learning for procedural skills like venipuncture and wound care. Trainees also engage in educational sessions on nutrition, osteoporosis, and incontinence management. With access to Erasmus MC's advanced facilities, the curriculum fosters leadership in geriatric teams and advocacy for age-friendly healthcare policies. Over 300 hours of supervised practice ensure competency in handling emergencies like hip fractures and strokes in the geriatric population. Graduates are prepared for certification by the Dutch Society for Geriatrics, contributing to improved elderly care nationwide. This rigorous training not only builds clinical acumen but also promotes empathy and cultural sensitivity in diverse patient populations. The campus hosts regular workshops on emerging topics like telemedicine in geriatrics and the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable elders, ensuring trainees stay at the forefront of the field.

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.

The SONS Utrecht Campus specializes in postgraduate training for geriatric medicine specialists, offering a comprehensive three-year AIOS (arts in opleiding tot specialist) program. This curriculum integrates theoretical education with hands-on clinical experience, focusing on the holistic care of elderly patients with complex health needs. Trainees develop expertise in managing age-related conditions such as dementia, frailty, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy.

• Core geriatric assessment and diagnostic skills, including comprehensive geriatric evaluations (CGE).
• Clinical rotations in acute geriatrics, covering delirium, falls, and mobility issues.
• Specialized modules in cognitive disorders, with emphasis on Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia management.
• Palliative and end-of-life care training, addressing ethical dilemmas and symptom control.
• Interdisciplinary teamwork, collaborating with physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers.
• Research components, teaching evidence-based practice and quality improvement projects in elderly care.
• Outpatient clinic experience in preventive geriatrics and chronic disease management.
• Community-based training in nursing homes and home care settings to understand transitional care.

The program at this campus emphasizes innovative approaches, including digital health tools for monitoring elderly patients and simulation-based learning for procedural skills like venipuncture and wound care. Trainees also engage in educational sessions on nutrition, osteoporosis, and incontinence management. With access to UMC Utrecht's advanced facilities, the curriculum fosters leadership in geriatric teams and advocacy for age-friendly healthcare policies. Over 300 hours of supervised practice ensure competency in handling emergencies like hip fractures and strokes in the geriatric population. Graduates are prepared for certification by the Dutch Society for Geriatrics, contributing to improved elderly care nationwide. This rigorous training not only builds clinical acumen but also promotes empathy and cultural sensitivity in diverse patient populations. The campus hosts regular workshops on emerging topics like telemedicine in geriatrics and the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable elders, ensuring trainees stay at the forefront of the field.

UMC Utrecht, a key SONS partner, provides comprehensive geriatric training with a strong emphasis on innovation and central Netherlands healthcare.

• Neurogeriatrics, focusing on stroke recovery and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Endocrinology in the elderly, managing thyroid and hormonal changes.
• Pulmonary geriatrics, including COPD and respiratory failure in older adults.
• Urology and gynecology for aging populations, addressing incontinence and sexual health.
• Geriatric pharmacology, with drug interaction studies and personalized medicine.
• Health services research on care coordination for complex patients.
• Simulation-based training for procedural skills like lumbar punctures.
• Ethics and law in geriatrics, covering advance directives and capacity assessments.

This site offers a balanced mix of academic and practical training, with access to the university's extensive library and research facilities. Residents engage in multidisciplinary teams, rotating through geriatrics wards, memory clinics, and day hospitals. The program includes a research thesis component, often published in international journals. Emphasis on preventive strategies and lifestyle interventions for healthy aging. SONS coordination ensures seamless transitions between Utrecht and other regional sites. Trainees develop leadership through participation in departmental committees and national conferences, preparing them for consultant roles in geriatric medicine across the Dutch healthcare system.

The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) SONS site addresses northern Netherlands' geriatric needs, with a focus on cold-climate health impacts.

• Orthogeriatrics, coordinating surgery and rehab for hip fractures.
• Dermatology in aging, managing skin cancers and ulcers.
• Environmental geriatrics, studying climate effects on elderly health.
• Telegeriatrics and digital literacy training for seniors.
• Family medicine integration for holistic elderly care.
• Longitudinal studies on multimorbidity in aging cohorts.
• Crisis intervention for elderly in remote areas.
• Nutrition and dietetics specialized for geriatric populations.

Training here emphasizes regional healthcare challenges, with rotations in academic hospital, rural clinics, and care homes. Residents participate in the Healthy Ageing Campus initiatives, promoting active lifestyles. The program includes e-learning modules and virtual reality simulations for skill-building. SONS ensures curriculum uniformity while allowing regional adaptations. Research focuses on predictive modeling for geriatric risks. Practical experience includes outreach programs to isolated communities. The three-year track builds expertise in managing isolation and seasonal affective disorders in the elderly, preparing specialists for comprehensive northern care.