How to Be Geriatrician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 11, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The aging population is growing rapidly, and with this comes an increased need for geriatricians. As people age, they tend to experience more physical, mental, and emotional issues, and geriatricians specialize in providing care for elderly patients. As a result, geriatricians are highly trained in diagnosing and treating age-related conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, memory problems, and heart disease.

With an increased demand for geriatricians, there is an overall increase in the quality of life for elderly people as they are able to receive the care they need from these highly-qualified professionals. geriatricians can help elderly people to stay independent for longer by managing their health issues and providing support with activities of daily living.

Steps How to Become

Complete a Bachelor's Degree Program. The first step to becoming a geriatrician is to complete a bachelor's degree program. This can be any major, but courses in biology, chemistry, and other sciences are recommended to give you the best preparation for medical school.
Earn a Medical Degree. After completing a bachelor's degree program, individuals must attend medical school, which typically takes four years of full-time study. During medical school, students take courses in anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, and other medical topics.
Complete a Residency Program. Following medical school, geriatricians must complete a three-year residency program in internal medicine or family practice. During this time, they gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating diseases in elderly patients.
Become Board Certified. After completing a residency program, geriatricians must become board certified in their specialty by passing a certification exam administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine.
Consider Additional Training. Although not required, some geriatricians choose to pursue additional training in geriatric medicine by completing a fellowship program. These programs typically take one to two years of additional study in topics such as geriatric pharmacology, dementia care, and chronic care management.

The aging process can be difficult to navigate, and it is important to seek out the help of a geriatrician to ensure an ideal and efficient experience. A geriatrician is a medical doctor who is specially trained to meet the physical and mental health needs of older adults. Through regular check-ups and assessments, geriatricians can help identify and address age-related medical issues before they become serious, allowing seniors to maintain their independence and quality of life.

They can also help manage chronic conditions, provide advice on diet and exercise, and assess mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. With the expertise and guidance of a geriatrician, seniors can enjoy a healthier and more active lifestyle.

You may want to check Geriatrics Clinical Supervisor, Geriatric Care Facilitator, and Geriatrics Certified Nursing Assistant for alternative.

Job Description

Diagnose, treat, and manage health problems associated with aging, such as dementia, arthritis, and chronic illnesses.
Perform physical examinations, order diagnostic tests, and interpret test results.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans for elderly patients.
Educate patients and their families about aging-related conditions and lifestyle modifications to promote healthy aging.
Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for elderly patients.
Develop strategies to enhance the quality of life for elderly patients and their families.
Participate in research projects related to geriatric care and treatment.
Monitor and evaluate patient progress and modify treatment plans as necessary.
Provide emotional support and guidance to elderly patients and their families.
Keep detailed medical records for all elderly patients.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the biological and physiological aspects of aging
Knowledge of the psychosocial aspects of aging
Ability to diagnose and treat common medical conditions in elderly patients
Understanding of geriatric pharmacology
Knowledge of how to evaluate and treat functional decline
Ability to provide counseling and support for patients and their families
Understanding of the legal and ethical issues related to geriatric care
Ability to develop and implement individualized care plans
Knowledge of the principles of preventive care for elderly patients
Understanding of the needs and preferences of elderly patients

The ability to effectively communicate is an essential skill for any geriatrician. Good communication helps geriatricians build trust and rapport with their elderly patients, which can lead to better health outcomes. This includes being able to listen carefully and ask the right questions, in order to gain better understanding of a patients history, physical and psychological health.

In addition, effective communication helps geriatricians provide education and advice, as well as support and guidance, in order to ensure that the elderly patient is able to maintain a good quality of life. Furthermore, strong communication skills help geriatricians to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses and pharmacists, to provide comprehensive and holistic care. Finally, since elderly patients may have difficulty expressing their needs, good communication is needed to ensure that the appropriate decisions are made concerning their care.

Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinator, Geriatrics Medical Office Manager, and Geriatrics Home Health Nurse are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What led you to pursue a career in geriatrics?
How do you handle difficult conversations with patients and their families about serious medical conditions?
What strategies do you use to ensure that elderly patients receive the highest quality of care possible?
How do you stay up-to-date on advances in geriatric medicine?
How do you prioritize patients needs when resources are limited?
What strategies have you employed to help elderly patients adopt healthier lifestyles?
How do you respond to ethical dilemmas that may arise in the course of caring for elderly patients?
What strategies do you use to foster a positive relationship with your elderly patients?
How do you work with other care providers to create an effective treatment plan for elderly patients?
What experience do you have with end-of-life care for elderly patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Software. A computerized medical record-keeping system that stores patient information and medical history. (Eg: Epic EMR)
Telemedicine Platform. An online platform that allows medical professionals to connect with patients remotely via audio, video, or text. (Eg: doxy. me)
Patient Portal. A web-based system that gives patients access to their medical records and allows them to communicate with their healthcare providers. (Eg: MyChart)
Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). Software that provides clinicians with evidence-based guidance and helps them make informed decisions. (Eg: UpToDate)
Geriatric Assessment Tool. A tool designed to help healthcare providers assess the physical, cognitive, and social functioning of older adults. (Eg: Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Tool)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Geriatrics Society
American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
American Geriatric Nurses Association
American Medical Directors Association
Gerontological Society of America
International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics
National Association of Geriatric Education
Society of General Internal Medicine

We also have Geriatric Mental Health Nurse, Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse, and Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Gerontology. The scientific study of the aging process and its effects on individuals and society.
Geriatrics. The branch of medicine that focuses on the health of older adults.
Geriatric Assessment. A comprehensive evaluation of an older adult's physical, psychological, social, and functional abilities.
Geriatric Care Management. The coordination and management of care for an elderly patient to ensure they receive the appropriate and necessary medical, social, and other services.
Frailty. A state of decreased physical, cognitive, and functional capacity that is common in older age.
Dementia. A term used to describe a range of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and behavior.
Polypharmacy. The simultaneous use of multiple medications by an individual.
Fall Prevention. Strategies to reduce the risk of falling in older adults with an increased risk for falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Geriatrician? A1: A Geriatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of health issues related to the aging process. Q2: How long does it typically take to become a Geriatrician? A2: It typically takes 8-10 years of post-secondary education and training, including 4 years of medical school and a 3-year residency program in geriatrics or another specialty, to become a Geriatrician. Q3: What type of treatments do Geriatricians specialize in? A3: Geriatricians specialize in treatments that address age-related medical conditions, including diseases of the heart, lungs and bones, as well as mental health issues such as dementia, depression and anxiety. Q4: What are some common tests a Geriatrician may order? A4: Common tests a Geriatrician may order include physical exams, blood tests, imaging tests, cognitive tests and mental health assessments. Q5: Where can I find a Geriatrician? A5: You can find a Geriatrician through your local hospital or healthcare provider. You can also search online for a Geriatrician in your area.