Traditional medicine focuses on disease, and geriatrics medicine focuses on aging. The traditional "giants," or five elements of medicine, that affect older patients are immobility. This branch of medicine was founded long ago and is distinct from internal medicine. However, it has grown into its own specialty. Learn more about this field if it interests you.
Signs
A doctor trained in geriatrics is particularly familiar with addressing the symptoms of older patients. Depression is a common condition in older people, yet symptoms are often misdiagnosed as something else. Geriatricians have a range of options to help with this condition. Some medications can be used to slow down the disease or improve the quality and quantity of your life. A common clinical problem that geriatricians see is heart failure, a condition that can lead to other serious problems.
Geriatricians need to consider all possible treatments and medications when they are completing their residency training. This will help them decide on the best course. Geriatricians are not only trained to treat symptoms. They also work closely with other medical professionals, including pharmacists, social workers and therapists, to diagnose and treat various conditions. The health of their patients should be their main priority. Geriatricians can also accept Medicare or Medicaid for patients who have insurance.
Treatment
Many of the problems that geriatrics face are related with aging. Geriatric diseases can often be complex and affect multiple body systems. Geriatric patients could have been diagnosed with one disease in their youth but their bodies may be more severely affected by it. Some may have multiple chronic illnesses, including kidney disease or diabetic retinopathy. Treatment for these illnesses focuses on preserving a patient's health and function.
The health care needs of an elderly patient are different from those of younger patients. Older people may experience less energy and a diminished sense of balance. Their cognitive abilities decline and they may not be as able to absorb medications as people younger than them. Geriatricians provide care for elderly patients. Because they are more likely to be able to recommend the most effective treatments for your loved one, it is important to select a doctor with extensive experience in this field.
Specialties
Geriatrics is the study of elderly health. Geriatricians are trained to care for the elderly and prevent diseases. Geriatricians can also be trained to manage disabilities. Here are some of these major aspects. What can you expect if you choose to pursue this field? What is the training required? What are the main duties of a Geriatrics Doctor?
Geriatrics may be a good choice for those who have experience in nursing and medicine. Geriatricians are skilled general practitioners who have a keen understanding of the needs of older people. They work with other disciplines and are highly effective communicators. Geriatricians love a specialty that can provide medical care, rehabilitation, and individualized discharge planning. People interested in this field should take up a challenge.
Training
Traditionally, a geriatrics medical training program did not require an advanced degree or an academic record. Instead, it emphasizes clinical skills. Today, however there are many world-renowned centers for geriatrics research and funding opportunities in this area are rapidly growing. The specialty now includes research spanning basic biomedical sciences to translational gaps. For more information on geriatrics medicine, please read the following.
The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship, established in 1981 by the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care, was established. This fellowship program has a high reputation for training family physicians as well as internists for careers within geriatrics. Accreditation council for graduate medical education has accredited the program. You have many choices for medical training in Geriatrics. But, you can be sure to find the right program.