by Anika Lee
What is a geriatric doctor?
While not well known or recognized, geriatric doctors are nonetheless crucial workers of the medical field, and essential to the overall health of the community. A geriatric doctor, also known as a geriatrician, is a doctor who works with seniors and aging citizens - typically around the age of 75, and works with illnesses or other complications that may disturb the wellbeing of a senior. Generally, many seniors with complex medical issues see a geriatric doctor who specializes in treating older adults and their conditions, instead of a regular family doctor.
What does a geriatric doctor do?
As someone who works with senior patients, geriatric doctors will spend their time treating illnesses or accidents that are generally common for the elderly. For instance, many of the patients that see a geriatric doctor have one or many chronic health illnesses or issues, such as arthritis or ischemic heart disease. As well, they see many fall injuries to treat, cases of dementia, and even depression, which is a lot more prevalent in older adults than many realize, as around 29% to 52% of seniors in nursing homes are known to have depression. Additionally, as many times, an older patient is prescribed multiple different medications, it is important for geriatricians to utilize the knowledge of side effects and allergies throughout their treatments to prevent complications. Treating a senior patient not only includes providing evaluations and reliable treatment, but providing preventative solutions and plans for the patient for their futures.
What schooling and/or training do you need to become a geriatric doctor?
As is expected of most doctors, a geriatric doctor must complete a four-year pre med degree at a college or university before earning a four-year medical degree from a medical school. Then, they must complete three to four years in a full-time residency training program and finally, are expected to earn an unrestricted medical license to practice in order to be able to treat patients.
The following are undergraduate and graduate programs from U.S. and Canadian colleges and universities that you may want to check out if you are interested in this field of medicine:
For Canada:
Simon Fraser University: Master in Gerontology (Undergraduate Studies)
University of British Columbia: Doctor of Medicine in Geriatric Psychiatry (Graduate Studies)
University of Ottawa: Doctor of Medicine in Geriatrics (Graduate Studies)
For U.S.:
University of Southern California: Bachelor Of Science in Human Development and Aging (Undergraduate Studies)
Brigham Young University: Minor in gerontology (Undergraduate Studies)
As well, some traits that are important for a doctor working with older patients to have include: strong communication skills, patience, empathy, and as mentioned before, strong knowledge of side effects of medications.
Currently, the United States is facing a shortage of doctors who care for senior citizens, so it is crucial that the upcoming generation of leaders in the medical field is aware of the field of Gerontology, and how essential it is for the population. The road to becoming a geriatric doctor may seem long and strenuous, and it is known that treating terminally ill and weak patients can be mentally and emotionally draining, but the possibility and outcome of being able to help older adults - who could be anyone's grandparent or loved one - gain a better quality of life is bound to be rewarding.
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