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A rich literature on public policy abounds in social gerontology and related gerontology curriculum. However, much less emphasis has been placed on public policy in the geriatric education curriculum. This article discusses the need for a greater infusion of public policy into training modules and core curriculum of geriatric education. The view is presented that public policy is, by its nature, a valuable area for interdisciplinary study, cutting across the discipline-specific areas of geriatric education. This emphasis is particularly acute and timely, given rising social and political criticism of safety net programs for the elderly such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Public policy curriculum design will be suggested as well as intervention strategies of use to public health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]