In July 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at CHU Montpellier’s Department of Gerontology. This unique experience was made possible through the cooperation between the Armenian Association of Geriatrics and Gerontology and the EuGMS, within the COST action PROGRAMMING. The goal of my visit was to observe organization of geriatric in France, experience daily clinical practices firsthand, and explore lessons that could be adapted to improve geriatric care in Armenia.
The journey began in a WhatsApp group with English-speaking staff, which quickly became an essential tool for coordination, sharing resources, and engaging in educational materials. This informal communication made collaboration and planning throughout my stay seamless.
Activities Undertaken
Under the guidance of Dr. Stéphanie Miot, I was warmly welcomed and introduced to the department, balancing clinical learning with academic exchange. Over the weeks, I explored multiple dimensions of geriatric care:
- Rehabilitation Unit: Observed physiotherapists and occupational therapists helping older adults regain independence and daily function.
- Day Clinic: Learned to synthesize medical, functional, and psychological assessments, and observed individualized treatment decisions combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.
- Therapeutic Approaches: Witnessed advanced interventions, including botulinum therapy for muscle hypertonia and the use of 3D-printed custom armchairs for patient-specific comfort and safety
- Acute Care & Mobile Teams: Joined clinical discussions on complex cases in acute geriatrics and accompanied outreach visits to nursing homes, gaining insight into community-based services.
- Academic Exchange: Visited the School of Geriatrics and Gerontology to discuss training programs and potential collaborations with Armenian institutions.
Beyond clinical work, I enjoyed Montpellier’s culture, including local beaches, charming towns, Tour de France celebrations, and Bastille Day festivities—providing balance and reflection time during my stay.
A History Lover’s Highlight
As a history enthusiast, visiting Montpellier’s historic medical faculty—the oldest in Europe—and the School of Geriatrics and Gerontology was unforgettable. Walking through corridors dating back to 1280, I admired ancient furniture, lecture halls, and the library, which housed 14th-century medical books as well as works in poetry, philosophy, and art, reflecting the broad education of medieval physicians. Portraits and artifacts of past deans brought history to life.
Wearing an aging simulator allowed me to better understand the physical limitations, reduced mobility, and sensory changes that many elderly patients encounter daily.
Challenges Faced
Adapting to a new country brought challenges: the language barrier, being away from family, and navigating daily life with limited English information. These hurdles, however, strengthened my independence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
Successes Achieved
The STSM offered hands-on experience in comprehensive geriatric assessments, cognitive evaluations, and individualized care planning. Collaboration with Dr. Miot, Professor Hubert Blain, and the department staff deepened my understanding of multidisciplinary approaches and advanced treatment strategies. I shared my findings at a seminar hosted by the Armenian Ministry of Health on 18 August 2025, paving the way for future collaborations and educational exchanges
Overall, this mission provided invaluable insights into geriatric care and a roadmap for developing sustainable, patient-centered services in Armenia, highlighting the importance of on-site learning for building effective healthcare models.
