Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence in Geriatrics

Over five decades, the Division of Geriatric Medicine has grown into a leader in clinical care, research, and education, with a lasting impact on regional, national, and international geriatrics.

  • 1975: Dr. Ronald Cape establishes the Division of Geriatric Medicine, one of Canada’s first academic geriatric programs, based at Parkwood Hospital with a Division of 2 Geriatricians
  • Early Years: Services included a 28-bed Geriatric Assessment and Rehabilitation Unit (GARU), a geriatric day hospital, outpatient clinics, and home visit consultations.
  • 1981: Dr. Cape co-founds the Canadian Society of Geriatric Medicine, serving as its first president.
  • 1985: The division relocates to the new Parkwood Hospital, expanding to a 40-bed Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit (GRU) and a 20-place Geriatric Day Hospital.
  • 1992: The Regional Geriatric Program Southwestern Ontario (RGPSW) is launched, expanding outreach and consultation services.
  • 1992-Present: The Cognitive Clinical Trials Group, led by Dr. Borrie, pioneers Alzheimer’s research, contributing to international trials.
  • 1994: A Geriatric Assessment Unit (GAU) opens at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, supporting specialized acute care services for a decade.
  • 1997-2003: Introduction of a formal division practice plan and the Alternate Payment Plan (APP) to enhance recruitment and services.
  • 2005: Establishment of the Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE) Unit at London Health Sciences Centre.
  • 2007-Present: Dr. Manuel Montero-Odasso’s Gait and Brain Lab explores gait-cognition links, leading global falls prevention guidelines.
  • 2001-Present: Education innovations led by Drs. Diachun, Burrell, and Kyle expand undergraduate training in geriatric medicine.
  • 2012: Cognitive Neurology consolidates at Parkwood Hospital, strengthening research collaborations.
  • 2023: APP expansion now includes community geriatricians and up to 14 division members at Western.
  • 2023 Drs. Kane, Elliott and Erin Watson lead the Reimagining RGPSW emphasizing health system research.
  • April 2025: Celebrating the 38th Annual Conference in Geriatric Medicine, providing professionals an opportunity to expand their knowledge, refine skills, and collaborate to enhance older adult care.