Why I’m a Member of the American Geriatrics Society

I joined the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) many years ago and have attended every meeting since then except for two. I missed one when my 90-year-old mother fell and I had to rush home to be with her and the other when I moved from California to Rhode Island. I make a point to attend the annual meetings because of the abundant informative educational sessions that are provided and because it affords an opportunity to network and meet interdisciplinary healthcare providers and students from all over the world. In addition, the poster sessions are excellent and provide an opportunity to discuss interesting studies with new and seasoned researchers interested in gerontology. I remember chatting, many years ago, with one of the researchers on the Nun Study, and, more recently, with young researchers from Europe and the Middle East.

I am always impressed that individuals travel so far to come to the AGS annual meeting and to present their complex research in English, which is often their second or third language. I am an educator of gerontology nurse practitioners at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. I use Geriatrics at Your Fingertips  as a required text for my students, and the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society is also required reading. I have encouraged my students to become AGS members so that they can take advantage of all of the organization’s membership benefits. Over the years, several students have joined and have been very pleased with this decision. I believe it is important to belong to one’s professional organizations, especially when in a teaching role. I have served on the AGS’ annual meeting planning committee, and, for the past 2 years, I have been the chair of the nurses’ section. I have watched this section develop and grow as we acquire new members annually. Although many of us belong to other organizations, we continue to network every year at the AGS annual meeting. This past year, it was wonderful to have colleagues Barbara Resnick, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, AGS president-elect; Keela Herr, PhD, RN, FAAN, AGSF, AGS secretary; and Jennie Chin Hansen, RN, MS, FAAN, AGS chief executive officer, all together at the nurses’ breakfast; what a tribute to the all-inclusiveness of the AGS!

Mary Jane Henderson, MS, RN, GNP-BC, is assistant professor of nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA.

Benefits of American Geriatrics Society Membership

Becoming a member of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) affords a wide range of invaluable benefits, including members-only benefits, such as educational resources and tools that help members stay abreast of new research, clinical innovations, and policy initiatives. Key benefits include free subscriptions and online access to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Annals of Long-Term Care: Clinical Care and Aging, Clinical Geriatrics, and the American Journal of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy. Members also enjoy access to MyAGS, the society’s exclusive members-only Website, which features a practice management toolkit, membership directory, recertification support, board and committee resources, and information and applications to facilitate involvement in AGS activities. Additional benefits include free subscriptions to the AGS weekly e-newsletter and quarterly print newsletter; a complimentary copy of Geriatrics at Your Fingertips; discounted registration to the AGS Annual Scientific Meeting, with opportunities to participate in select activities at the meeting; access to AGS’ Career Connection for job seekers and employers; the ability to participate in AGS award programs; eligibility for fellowship status; and the opportunity to participate in the FHA Geriatrics Healthcare Professional Referral Service. Members are also eligible to join special membership committees and groups focusing on specific areas in geriatrics, and benefit from the society’s considerable public policy advocacy work that supports quality elder healthcare. To become a member of the AGS, visit https://www.americangeriatrics.org/membership/join-now, or to renew your membership, visit https://www.americangeriatrics.org/membership/renew-now. Alternatively, you may call (212) 308-1141.