Geriatric surgery--evolution of a clinical community.

Overview

BACKGROUND: We reviewed the current scientific data and opinions from thought leaders in the field of surgery in the elderly population and queried whether a new society should be formed. METHODS: The science of geriatric surgery (GS) was reviewed, including topics scientific sessions focused on GS. A town hall meeting was held, which included geriatric surgical scholars. A survey was created to define the interest in GS as a specialty society was sent to surgical scholars. RESULTS: As the volume of GS scholarly work has increased, the focus of geriatric science has migrated toward clinical studies on frailty and geriatric syndromes. Our town hall meeting outlined the need for a multidisciplinary GS team. Our survey documented more interest in multidisciplinary sessions at national meetings rather than a new, unique society. CONCLUSIONS: GS as a discipline is a multidisciplinary practice. Our data suggest that this unique characteristic speaks to the development of a clinical community rather than an independent society.