Almost every medical specialty will have an increasingly older patient base, thus if we are aware of the issues specific to the geriatric population and if we are trained to work with older patients, we will be better physicians. It requires an interdisciplinary approach - we will work with other physicians, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and family members, in order to provide comprehensive care for these patients with multiple needs. Geriatric medicine is its own specialty. After an internal medicine or family practice residency, physicians can complete a one or two year fellowship to become certified in geriatrics. Geriatricians are primary care doctors for older patients and can also serve as consultants to other physicians and to hospital programs that work with the elderly.
Psychiatrists can also complete a fellowship to specialize in geriatric psychiatry.
Currently, there is a HUGE demand for geriatricians, both clinical and academic. Research efforts in geriatrics are increasing worldwide. This interest group exists as a forum among medical students to exchange ideas and concerns regarding geriatric medicine. One topic on which we will focus is the variety of career opportunities in geriatrics. We also seek to raise a general awareness of the many factors important when working with the elderly.