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

May 23, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Aging can cause a variety of physical and mental health issues, and a geriatric physician is essential for providing comprehensive medical care to elderly patients. These physicians are specifically trained to diagnose and treat diseases and conditions associated with aging, such as Alzheimers disease, arthritis, diabetes, and osteoporosis. they understand the unique needs and challenges of senior citizens, and can provide the necessary emotional support and educational guidance.

Geriatric physicians are also adept at managing multiple medications and helping patients navigate long-term care decisions. By receiving timely care and support from a geriatric physician, elderly patients can enjoy improved health, better mobility, and a higher quality of life.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a geriatric physician is to obtain a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university. A bachelors degree in biology, health sciences, or a related field is typically required to be accepted into medical school.
Take the Medical College Admissions Test. The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is a standardized test that all aspiring medical school students must take. The MCAT is used to evaluate a student's academic skills and knowledge of medical topics.
Complete a Medical Degree Program. After completing an accredited medical program, students can apply for residency programs in geriatrics. During these programs, students will gain hands-on experience in geriatric medicine by working with elderly patients.
Become Board Certified. To become board certified in geriatrics, physicians must pass the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) exam. Passing this exam will demonstrate a physician's knowledge and expertise in the field of geriatrics.
Obtain Licensure. All physicians must obtain licensure in the state where they plan to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, so you should contact your state's medical board for information about the specific requirements.
Pursue Specialization. After obtaining licensure, physicians may choose to pursue additional training and certification in a specific area of geriatrics. Specialized areas include geriatric psychiatry, geriatric oncology, and palliative care.

Geriatric physicians work hard to provide reliable and competent care to their elderly patients. To do this, they must possess the requisite knowledge, experience, and specialized training. They must also stay abreast of the latest developments in geriatric health care, understanding the changing needs of their patients.

A geriatric physician must also possess strong communication skills, in order to effectively and compassionately discuss treatments, medications, and lifestyle changes with their elderly patients. they must be able to recognize and treat common age-related medical conditions, such as dementia, hypertension, and arthritis. Finally, they must have a holistic approach to patient care, considering the patient's physical and emotional health, social supports, and financial resources.

When these elements are combined, geriatric physicians can provide reliable and competent care to their elderly patients.

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

Job Description

Geriatric Physician: Responsible for providing comprehensive medical care to elderly patients, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of chronic and acute conditions.
Geriatric Research Physician: Responsible for conducting research on the health and well-being of elderly patients.
Geriatric Care Manager: Responsible for coordinating geriatric care services, including assessing the needs of elderly patients, developing care plans, coordinating services, and monitoring outcomes.
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner: Responsible for providing primary care services to elderly patients, including physical assessments, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic and acute conditions.
Geriatric Physical Therapist: Responsible for providing physical therapy services to elderly patients, including evaluating mobility issues and developing physical therapy plans.
Geriatric Psychiatrist: Responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health issues in elderly patients.
Geriatric Social Worker: Responsible for coordinating social services for elderly patients, including connecting them with community resources and advocating for their rights.
Geriatric Pharmacist: Responsible for safely dispensing medications to elderly patients and providing drug therapy management services.
Geriatric Home Health Care Provider: Responsible for providing home health services to elderly patients, including nursing care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of geriatric medicine, including the diagnosis and treatment of age-related medical conditions.
Understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of the elderly population.
Ability to work collaboratively with a team of professionals to provide comprehensive care.
Ability to assess and manage the complex medical, social, and psychological needs of the elderly.
Knowledge of the Medicare and Medicaid programs and how to access them for the elderly population.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with elderly patients and their families.
Understanding of end-of-life care issues, including advance directives and hospice care.
Understanding of geriatric pharmacology, including the safe use of medications in the elderly population.
Knowledge of how to manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, in the elderly population.
Knowledge of available community services for the elderly and how to access them for patients.

Geriatric physicians, also known as geriatricians, are specially trained medical doctors who specialize in the care of older adults. The ability to provide comprehensive care to aging patients with a range of physical and mental health conditions is essential for geriatric physicians. In order to effectively treat the elderly, geriatricians must possess a unique set of skills and knowledge.

The most important skills for a geriatric physician include excellent communication, emotional intelligence, and an understanding of aging processes. Good communication is vital for geriatricians, as it allows them to effectively convey medical information to their elderly patients and build trust. emotional intelligence is needed to develop a meaningful doctor-patient relationship and to provide emotional support.

Lastly, a solid understanding of aging processes is necessary for geriatricians in order to accurately diagnose conditions and develop a treatment plan tailored to each patients needs. By possessing these skills, geriatric physicians can provide the best possible care for their elderly patients and help them live healthy and happy lives.

Geriatric Care Aide, Geriatric Health Educator, and Geriatric Clinical Nurse Leader are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with geriatric patients?
How do you respond to difficult situations with geriatric patients?
How do you keep up with the latest trends in geriatric medicine?
What strategies do you use to effectively communicate with geriatric patients and their families?
How do you handle cases in which a geriatric patient may be cognitively impaired?
How do you assess the risk of falls and other potential complications in an elderly patient?
How do you manage the complex and multiple health issues commonly experienced by geriatric patients?
How do you stay organized when treating a large number of geriatric patients?
What measures do you take to ensure that all geriatric patients are receiving quality care?
How do you stay updated on new medications and treatments for elderly patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records (EMR). A digital record of patient health information, including medical history, current medications, and test results. (eg: Epic EMR software)
Telemedicine Technology. Technology used to provide remote medical services, such as video conferencing, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. (eg: Teladoc)
Mobility Aids. Specialized equipment used to help elderly patients move around more easily and safely. (eg: walkers, wheelchairs, canes)
Point-of-Care Diagnostic Tools. Portable instruments used to measure patient vital signs and other biological information. (eg: pulse oximeters, glucometers)
Fall Prevention Devices. Devices that use sensors to detect potential falls and alert caregivers. (eg: Smart Caregiver Bed Alarm)
Medication Reminder Systems. Automated systems that remind patients to take their medications and alert healthcare providers about missed doses. (eg: PillPack)
Cognitive Assessment Tools. Tests used to measure cognitive abilities, such as memory and executive functioning. (eg: Mini Mental State Examination)
Geriatric Nutrition Apps. Digital applications that provide personalized nutrition advice for older adults. (eg: PlateMate)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Geriatrics Society
American Academy of Home Care Medicine
American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
American Medical Directors Association
American Society on Aging
Gerontological Society of America
International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics
International Longevity Center
National Council on Aging
National Institute on Aging

Common Important Terms

Gerontology. The study of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging.
Geriatrics. The medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disabilities in older adults.
Geriatrician. A doctor trained in geriatrics who specializes in the care of elderly patients.
Dementia. A decline in cognitive function due to disease or injury, which can lead to memory loss and confusion.
Frailty. A decline in physical and cognitive functioning due to age-related changes.
Elder Care. The provision of care for an elderly person, including medical, social, and psychological support.
Palliative Care. Care aimed at improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses through symptom management, communication, and emotional support.
Geriatric Assessment. An evaluation of an individual's physical, psychological, and social functioning in order to identify any potential issues that could lead to a decline in health.
Elder Abuse. The physical, emotional, or financial mistreatment of an elderly person.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration. An age-related condition that causes vision loss due to damage to the macula, a part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Geriatric Physician?

A Geriatric Physician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of elderly patients. They are trained to assess and treat medical conditions specific to the aging population, including age-related memory loss, frailty, falls, dementia, chronic diseases, and end-of-life care.

What qualifications are required to become a Geriatric Physician?

To become a Geriatric Physician, a person must complete medical school, residency training in Internal Medicine or Family Practice, and a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine. Board certification in Geriatric Medicine is also required.

What types of treatments are provided by Geriatric Physicians?

Geriatric Physicians provide a range of services including preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of chronic and acute illnesses, coordination of care among specialists, medication management, exercise and nutrition counseling, and end-of-life care.