Department of Geriatric Medicine 

The Department of Geriatric Medicine at Peking University People’s Hospital is a multidisciplinary clinical care program for seniors, emphasizing continuity of care across multiple sectors of health care delivery.

The department includes 39 beds dedicated to frail elderly patients aged 60 years and above. Our team comprises 18 doctors and 23 nurses, united by a deep commitment to and respect for older individuals. Our goal is to deliver multidisciplinary care that integrates the best of medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, nutrition, social services, and spiritual support. Recognizing the essential role of families in elder care, our department provides a family room. Special features, including low-rise beds and wheelchair-accessible showers, are designed to accommodate the unique needs of elderly patients.

All staff receive comprehensive, geriatric-based education and competency training, which is continuously updated to maintain a high standard of service quality.

Director:

Professor Wang Jingtong, M.D.

About Us

We provide patient-/family-centered care based on each individual's functional condition. Our team, consisting of specialists in geriatric medicine and geriatric nursing, develops comprehensive care plans for each patient. We focus on promoting our patients’ wellness and improving their daily functioning. Our staff coordinates care across the continuum, which may include hospitalization and outpatient services.

Treatment & Services

We provide primary care for patients aged 65 and above, covering both outpatient and inpatient geriatric services.

Our physicians collaborate with nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and clinical nutritionists to emphasize preventive care and health maintenance.

We particularly focus on supporting patients and their families in managing multiple chronic conditions, functional limitations, and cognitive impairment.

For inpatients, if you are admitted to People’s Hospital, our senior health physician and team members will oversee your care throughout your hospital stay. As a teaching hospital affiliated with Peking University Health Science Center, we also collaborate with physicians in training, who will participate in your care under the supervision of our staff. Upon discharge, we recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment with one of our physicians within two weeks.

Medical Consultation

We offer consultation services for specific medical problems and also organize lectures on common chronic diseases in connection with the elderly.

1) What is a Senior Health Geriatric Consultation?

It is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a physician specializing in geriatric medicine for patients aged 65 and older experiencing new/existing medical issues.

2) We offer consultations through three specialized teams:

•  1. Cardiopathy/Respiratory
•  2. Hypertension
•  3. Coronary heart disease
•  4. Dyslipidemia
•  5. Pneumonia
•  6. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
•  7. Digestion/Nutrition
•  8. Peptic ulcer
•  9. Mesenteric artery sclerosis
•  10. Reflux esophagitis
•  11. Endocrine/Neurology
•  12. Osteoporosis
•  13. Diabetes
•  14. Memory problems
•  15. Hyperuricemia

3) Consultation Goals:

•  1. Provide patients and caregivers with an independent, in-depth assessment of a specific condition/general concern;
•  2. Review the patient’s current care plan;
•  3. Offer recommendations for evaluation and management;
•  4. If appropriate, suggest further testing.

Education & Training

Special diagnostic and management strategies are critical to the well-being of older adults. Despite progress over the last decade, many health professionals still receive insufficient training in these strategies, especially in primary care. Through the expertise of its practice members, our development is uniquely positioned to lead the training of health professionals at PKUPH.

The department is actively involved in interdisciplinary education at the undergraduate/graduate/community/continuing medical education levels. In 2008, the department served as a teaching site for general practitioner education. More than 50 general practitioners and 11 graduate students in general practice have been trained here over the past eight years. It is also a teaching site for bachelor’s-level nurse practitioner students/nursing practitioners.  

Research

Our research is based on a deep respect for older adults and a strong commitment to improving their health, well-being, and quality of life. The department is also engaged in international exchange programs, extending our commitment to elder care across the aging spectrum.

Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation and the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Fund, our key research focuses include:

•  1. Gastrointestinal Mucosal Immunity 
•  2. Aging
•  3. Hypoxia/Cognitive Impairment
•  4. Diabetes/Cognitive Impairment