If you watch television, even on a limited basis, you’ve probably noticed all the “doctor shows” about general health and especially plastic surgery. You might wonder why there aren’t more shows focused on medical care of older adults. After all, they are the fastest growing population. But medical students aren’t rushing to the geriatrics field.
An overview of 20 literature studies reveals the factors
influencing medical students’ preferences:
1) They
prefer working with young patients.
2) They
would rather deal with diseases that can be cured.
3) Older
patients are more complicated and often have multiple problems.
4) There
is not much status in the geriatric field.
5) Money
is also not as lucrative. (Remember those enormous student loans have to be
paid.)
The lack of contact most medical students have had with the
rewarding aspects of being a geriatrics doctor working with this population is
also an influential factor. Many medical schools are addressing this concern by
providing students with more knowledge about aging research and more training
with the older population. Even research
affirms the job satisfaction of this specialty.
More education is needed by our medical systems to
accommodate our aging population and encourage more students to choose this
field. Meet Dr. Nathan Stall, a young man who was the only one with a geriatrics specialty in his medical school graduating class:
Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer
in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book
editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
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