Yale New Haven Hospital's mandatory cognitive testing for clinicians ages 70 or older seeking renewal of hospital privileges showed almost 1 in 8 had cognitive deficits that could affect their ability to practice independently, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. "While older clinicians can bring a great deal of experience and expertise to the practice of medicine, we must be sure that they have the cognitive ability to solve problems and make appropriate judgments," said researcher Dr. Leo Cooney.