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continued from page 13 Now more closely integrated with clinical care and research, education is a key component of the new Baycrest Health Sciences model introduced this year. The Centre for Education and Knowledge Exchange in Aging provides a vital bridge for translating knowledge into clinical practice. "How do you move knowledge from basic research to the bedside? How does it actually get there? You do it with education and the right kind of education, actually helping people to change the way they practice, based on new discoveries in research," says Dr. Conn. lecture series has global reach In January, The Centre for Education and Knowledge Exchange in Aging launched the Visiting Professor Lecture Series as a way to expand and exchange professional and scientific knowledge. "We're seeing an increase in the number of guest clinicians, researchers and academics who come through Baycrest, so the lecture series is a wonderful opportunity for us to capture and share this broad range of expertise with our staff," says Dr. Conn. "The series is a tangible way to advance our strategic focus of integrating care, education and research. It is designed to have broad appeal and to enlighten and inspire attendees." Endorsed by the International Psychogeriatric Association, the program has so far hosted lecturers from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. The lectures are also broadcast on the Ontario Telemedicine Network and webcast around the world. It's back to school for members of the community In May, the Centre introduced a "mini-medical" school for members of the community interested in a crash course in how to maintain good health, navigate the health-care system, and better manage chronic conditions that come with age. An innovator in aging, Baycrest trains students and fellows from around the world on best practices for caring for older patients and optimizing their health and well-being. The Insights into Aging 101 program is a way to bring this vital knowledge to the broader community. The extensive curriculum has been repackaged into concise teaching modules for a general consumer audience. The classes cover 10 topics, including advice on how to age successfully; navigate the health-care system; deal with pain; prevent falls; care for an ill family member; and understand the causes and risks of cognitive impairment. At each class, two Baycrest experts discuss the topic of the evening. Speakers represent a wide variety of disciplines, including medicine, psychiatry, neurology, ethics and pharmacy. "The concept of a mini medical school for the general public was initially developed at the University of Colorado and has been replicated around the globe," notes Dr. Conn. "We are very excited to offer this program, which is designed to focus specifically on issues related to the challenges of aging." Dr. Conn, who is also medical director of the Mood and Related Disorders Clinic, was a guest speaker at a class that discussed how to maintain a positive mood as we age. After completing Insights in Aging 101, participants can expect to know how to access community resources and critically appraise the barrage of health and science news headlines they see every day. "We're seeing an increase in the number of guest clinicians, researchers and academics who come through Baycrest, so the lecture series is a wonderful opportunity for us to capture and share this broad range of expertise with our staff." 2010/11 Baycrest and Baycrest Foundation Annual Report 15

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