How to Be Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 30, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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As the population ages, the need for Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistants has increased significantly. These professionals provide essential medical care to elderly patients, helping them to manage chronic illnesses, recognize signs of physical and mental decline, and prevent potentially life-threatening health issues. In turn, Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistants are able to improve the quality of life of their elderly patients, while also providing valuable support to their families. Additionally, by providing preventative care and monitoring, Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistants can reduce the burden on hospital emergency rooms and primary care physicians who may be overwhelmed by the increasing demands of an aging population.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Many schools offer pre-physician assistant programs that include coursework in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, psychology, and other sciences.
Complete a post-baccalaureate or master's degree in physician assistant studies from an accredited program. Coursework includes clinical rotations in geriatric medicine and other specialties.
Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) to become certified and licensed as a physician assistant.
Complete a geriatric medicine fellowship program to gain additional medical knowledge and experience in treating elderly patients.
Obtain board certification in geriatric medicine from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
Maintain certification by completing continuing education credits and participating in professional organizations related to geriatric medicine.

The increasing demand for Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistants is driven by the rapidly aging population. As a result, qualified applicants must possess an understanding of the medical needs of elderly patients, including chronic conditions and complications. To be an ideal candidate, they must have strong clinical skills, the ability to communicate effectively with geriatric patients, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

They should also demonstrate a passion for providing high-quality healthcare to geriatric patients and be able to handle the unique challenges associated with this specialty. Furthermore, they should possess qualifications such as a Bachelors degree in Physician Assistant Studies and be Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

You may want to check Geriatric Case Manager, Geriatric Home Care Coordinator, and Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Perform physical examinations for geriatric patients
Develop treatment plans and coordinate follow-up care
Monitor patient progress and make adjustments to treatment plans as needed
Provide education and support to patients and their families
Document patient encounters, assessments, and other relevant information
Order and interpret laboratory and imaging tests
Prescribe medications according to established protocols
Provide in-home visits or hospital visits as needed
Collaborate with other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care
Address acute and chronic health issues of geriatric patients

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aging process and geriatric health care issues
Ability to assess patient's physical, mental, and social functioning
Ability to develop and implement preventive health care plans
Ability to provide education and counseling to elderly patients and their families
Ability to coordinate services with other health care providers
Knowledge of the Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurance program regulations
Knowledge of pharmacology and ability to monitor drug therapies
Ability to recognize signs and symptoms of acute and chronic illnesses
Ability to perform physical exams and diagnostic tests
Ability to interpret laboratory results
Understanding of end-of-life care options
Knowledge of community resources available to elderly patients

Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistants (GPAs) are highly skilled professionals who are essential to providing quality care to elderly patients. Having the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other healthcare providers, as well as having an in-depth understanding of geriatric medicine, is an essential skill for GPAs. Strong communication and collaboration skills allow GPAs to better understand their patients needs, provide timely and accurate diagnosis, and coordinate treatment plans with other healthcare providers.

An in-depth knowledge of geriatric medicine is also necessary for GPAs to effectively assess and manage the complex medical conditions that elderly patients often have. GPAs must understand the physical, psychological, and social changes that occur in aging patients, as well as how these changes can affect a patients health and wellbeing. This knowledge helps GPAs develop effective treatments and preventive care plans that are tailored to each patient, ensuring they receive the best possible care.

With the ability to effectively communicate, collaborate, and understand geriatric medicine, GPAs are able to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to their elderly patients.

Geriatric Health Educator, Geriatric Mental Health Counselor, and Geriatric Clinical Nurse Leader are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in caring for geriatric patients?
What do you consider to be the most important aspects of providing care to elderly patients?
How would you handle a difficult situation with a patient or family member?
Describe a time when you effectively communicated with a geriatric patient.
How do you stay up to date on the latest treatments and procedures related to geriatric medicine?
What strategies do you use to ensure that elderly patients receive the best care possible?
How do you ensure that elderly patients receive the emotional support they need?
What challenges have you encountered while working with geriatric patients?
How do you explain complex medical terms to elderly patients in a way that they can understand?
What is your opinion on the importance of preventive care for elderly patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Record (EHR) System. An electronic database used to store patient health information, including medical history and test results. (e. g. Epic, Cerner, Allscripts)
Medical Charting Software. Software used to create and maintain patient records, including notes, prescriptions, and other documentation. (e. g. MedChart, Practice Fusion, DrChrono)
Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS). Technology used to help healthcare professionals make better clinical decisions by providing access to evidence-based information and guidelines. (e. g. UpToDate, Clinical Evidence)
Prescription Writing Software. Technology used to generate accurate and compliant prescriptions quickly and easily. (e. g. ePrescribe, SureScripts)
Diagnostic Imaging Software. Software used to analyze images from medical diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRIs. (e. g. OsiriX, Viewbox)
Telemedicine Platforms. Technology used to provide remote medical care, such as video visits and remote patient monitoring. (e. g. Teladoc, Doxy. me)
Lab Testing Software. Technology used to order, track, and manage lab tests for patients. (e. g. LabCorp Connect, Lab Test Manager)
Health Information Exchanges (HIE). Technology used to securely transfer electronic health information between healthcare providers and organizations. (e. g. Commonwell Health Alliance, Carequality)
Population Health Management Software. Technology used to identify at-risk patients and improve quality of care across populations by analyzing data from multiple sources. (e. g. Health Catalyst, Optum Insight)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
Society of Physician Assistants in Geriatric Medicine (SPAGM)
American Geriatrics Society (AGS)
American Medical Directors Association (AMDA)
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)
National Association of Geriatric Nurse Practitioners (NAGNP)
Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA)
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
National Gerontological Nursing Association (NGNA)

Common Important Terms

Gerontology. The study of the aging process and care of the elderly.
Palliative Care. Care provided to improve the quality of life of patients with serious illnesses.
Geriatric Assessment. A comprehensive evaluation of a senior's medical and functional status, cognitive abilities, and social environment.
Caregiver Support. Assistance provided to family members or other caregivers to help them with the care of an elderly patient.
Long-Term Care. Services and support provided to individuals who require ongoing care due to physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.
Falls Prevention. Strategies to reduce the risk of falls among seniors.
Chronic Disease Management. Coordinated healthcare interventions and communications for people with chronic conditions in order to prevent acute crises and improve overall health outcomes.
Mental Health Care. Comprehensive assessment and treatment of mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, to improve quality of life in seniors.
Medication Management. The safe and appropriate use of medications to achieve desired health outcomes.
Physical Therapy. Assistance with physical activities, such as walking, to enable seniors to stay independent and active.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistant?

A Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional who is trained to provide medical care to elderly patients. They work in collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to diagnose, treat, and manage the medical needs of their geriatric patients.

What qualifications are needed to become a Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistant?

In order to become a Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistant, one must have at least a Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies, complete an accredited PA program, and obtain a state license. Additionally, most states require PAs to maintain continuing medical education credits in order to stay up-to-date on the latest medical knowledge and practices.

What duties do Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistants typically perform?

Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistants typically perform a variety of duties including taking patient histories and performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting tests, diagnosing and treating illnesses, providing patient education and counseling, making referrals to specialists, and assisting with management of chronic conditions.

What challenges do Geriatric Medicine Physicians Assistants face?

Geriatric Medicine Physicians Assistants face several challenges including working with elderly patients who often have multiple chronic conditions and are more susceptible to falls and other injuries, as well as providing care in an environment with limited resources. Additionally, PAs must be able to effectively communicate with older patients and their families.

What rewards does a Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistant receive?

A Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistant receives many rewards from their work, including the satisfaction of providing care that makes a positive difference in the lives of elderly patients. Additionally, PAs have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with their patients and their families.

Web Resources

Physician Assistants in Geriatrics | Jobs, Requirements and www.physicianassistantedu.org
Division of Geriatric Medicine - Penn State College of Medicine med.psu.edu
Physician Assistants in Geriatric Medicine - academia.edu www.academia.edu