Misconceptions About Geriatric Medicine

Misconceptions about Geriatric Medicine arise mainly due to its close association with the nursing home industry. Nursing homes are a regular target of (often undeserved) media attacks. Unfortunately, Geriatric Medicine’s image gets tarnished by association. Some physicians look down upon this sub-specialty. They don’t consider it a viable practice option. They are mistaken.

Actually, Geriatric Medicine is very challenging and has some of the most complex and intriguing patient cases imaginable. Many geriatric patients have several chronic medical conditions which present in a variety of subtle and unusual ways. It is very rewarding to unravel the diagnostic mysteries and begin successful treatments. It beats the heck out of treating sore throats all day.

The vast majority of the elderly I work with are much nicer and better behaved than their children. They were brought up and raised in different times. They know how to say please and thank-you, and really mean it.

Kindness, respect and appreciativeness were instilled at an early age. They have realistic expectations of their doctors and medicine in general. It makes working with geriatric patients very pleasant and rewarding

This misconception started decades before when the nursing home industry was young and the physicians who worked there had little exposure to geriatric training. Today, Geriatric Medicine is a recognized sub-specialty of Internal Medicine and Family Practice. There is also geriatric fellowship training available.

The world of Geriatric Medicine today offers a challenging and complex opportunity to care for some of the kindest and most appreciative patients around. Geriatric Medicine continues to evolve and advance. It will continue to attract young and bright physicians who are properly positioned and prepared to succeed.