Five years of the Early-Career Geriatricians Initiative (ECGI): reflecting on the past, shaping the present, and envisioning the future.

PURPOSE

Despite rising global demand, geriatrics is often overlooked by young physicians due to its perceived complexity and limited career development. Launched by the European Geriatric Medicine Society, the Early Career Geriatricians Initiative (ECGI) aims to counter this perception with its rich educational, research, and leadership opportunities.

METHODS

This article provides a narrative overview of the ECGI, highlighting its establishment, key milestones, and impact within the EuGMS, while also outlining its structure, major achievements, and future directions.

RESULTS

The ECGI set strategic objectives to integrate early-career geriatricians into EuGMS activities. Key actions included the establishment of working groups, the introduction of a Rotation Program for international observerships, and the organization of dedicated congress events such as the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) Quiz and the Stefania Maggi Award Symposium. ECGI members were also given opportunities to represent the initiative in international conferences. Since gaining official recognition as a Special Interest Group of EuGMS in 2024, the initiative has been steadily evolving, aiming to establish a more structured, sustainable framework that enhances its long-term impact and effectiveness within the geriatric community.

CONCLUSION

As it marks its fifth anniversary, the ECGI remains committed to empowering the next generation of geriatricians with helping their professional growth and engagement. The early-career geriatricians are encouraged to join ECGI and contribute to shaping the future of geriatric medicine.