Traditional medicine focuses on disease, and geriatrics medicine focuses on aging. In older patients, the five traditional "giants" of medicine are immobility, incontinence, diminished cognition, and uncertainty. This medical field was created long before internal medicine. However, it has developed into its own specialty. Read on if you want to be a doctor in this area.
The symptoms
Geriatricians are particularly skilled in treating older patients. Depression is a common condition in older people, yet symptoms are often misdiagnosed as something else. Geriatricians have a range of options to help with this condition. Some medications can be used to slow down the disease or improve the quality and quantity of your life. Geriatricians often see heart failure as a clinical problem. This condition can lead other serious health problems.
Geriatricians have to carefully weigh the pros and cons for each treatment and medication during their residency training in order to decide the best course. Geriatricians collaborate closely with other disciplines such as pharmacists and social workers to diagnose, treat, and monitor various health conditions. The health of their patients should be their main priority. Geriatricians who have health insurance can accept Medicare and Medicaid.
Treatment
Many of the issues faced by geriatric patients are related to aging. Geriatric conditions can be complicated and affect different body systems. Geriatric patients may have suffered from one disease in their younger years but that illness has since affected their body. You may have diabetes or kidney disease. These diseases are managed by the goal of preserving the patient's function and health.
When a patient is elderly, their health care needs are vastly different than those of younger people. People over 65 often feel less energetic and have a lower sense of balance. They may also have a decline in cognitive skills and not be able to absorb medication as well as older people. Geriatricians specialize in the care of elderly people. Because they are more likely to be able to recommend the most effective treatments for your loved one, it is important to select a doctor with extensive experience in this field.
Specialties
Geriatrics is the study of elderly health. Geriatricians are trained to care for the elderly and prevent diseases. Geriatricians also treat those with disabilities. Here are some of these major aspects. What can you expect from this career? How much training is required? What are the normal duties of a doctor in geriatrics?
Geriatrics is a field that could suit those with a background in nursing or medicine. Geriatricians, who are skilled general physicians with an understanding of the needs older people, are highly qualified. They work with other disciplines and are highly effective communicators. Geriatricians gravitate to specialties that combine medical care with rehabilitation and individual discharge planning. People interested in this field should take up a challenge.
Training
Geriatrics medicine training does not require a higher education or a record of academic achievement. Instead, it emphasizes clinical skills. Today, however there are many world-renowned centers for geriatrics research and funding opportunities in this area are rapidly growing. Research in this specialty spans from basic biomedical sciences to the filling of gaps in translational research. Continue reading to learn more about geriatrics medical training.
In 1981, the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship (Division of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care) was established. The fellowship program prepares family doctors and internists to work in the field of geriatrics. It is highly respected. Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education has also accredited this program. There are many options available for medical training in geriatrics. However, the best program will be for you.