"Geriatric Gems and Palliative Pearls" are a series of brief web modules, or "soundbytes", of geriatric medical topics developed by Texas Training Excellence in Aging Studies Program (TEXAS), funded by the D.W. Reynolds Foundation, and located at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. UTH faculty developed the soundbytes using the AAMC and ACGME competencies germane to medical residents from a variety of speciality areas.   The "Gems and Pearls" are developed on andragogical principles employing brevity, repetition and an element of entertainment or compelling information to gain the learner's attention.  Each soundbyte takes about 3-5 minutes to review and is linked to videos, diagrams, text materials, and additional information on specific topics. Examples include Depression, Dementia, End-of-Life Issues and many others.

The rationale for using this form of educational methodology is based on research from the 70's and 80's showing that the spacing of education, repeated over time, results in more efficient learning and material retention than the massed presentation of educational materials.  This form of interactive spaced education (ISE) has been used by medical educators to teach physical diagnosis, effective feedback behaviors, and urology board review material.

Some of the topics covered include acute coronary syndrome, dementia, dying process, elder abuse, hazards of hospitalization, hospice, medical decision making, opioid toxicity, pain, self-neglect, urinary incontinence and executive function and capacity.