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Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Geriatrics Medical Students, Where Are You? (Research, Video 2:34)


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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