Traditional medicine is focused on diseases, while geriatrics medicine is concerned with aging. Immobility, incontinence and diminished cognition are the traditional "giants" of older patients. This medical field was created long before internal medicine. However, it has developed into its own specialty. Read on if you want to be a doctor in this area.
The symptoms
Geriatrics specialists are well-equipped to treat the symptoms of older patients. Depression is a common problem in older adults. However, symptoms are often mistakenly misdiagnosed as another condition. There are many treatment options available to treat depression in geriatrics. These include medications that slow down the disease and improve your quality of living. Heart failure is one of the most common conditions that geriatricians encounter. This condition can lead into other serious complications.
Geriatricians have to carefully weigh the pros and cons for each treatment and medication during their residency training in order to decide the best course. In addition to treating symptoms, geriatricians work closely with other disciplines, such as social workers, pharmacists, and therapists to diagnose and treat various diseases and health conditions. The health of their patients should be their main priority. Geriatricians who have health insurance can accept Medicare and Medicaid.
Treatment
Among the many issues that geriatric patients face, many are related to aging. Geriatric conditions can be complicated and affect different body systems. Geriatric patients may have suffered from one disease in their younger years but that illness has since affected their body. They may also have developed several chronic ailments, such as kidney disease and diabetic retinopathy. The goal of these diseases is to preserve a patient’s health and function.
Patients who are older have very different health care requirements than patients younger. Senior citizens often have lower energy levels and a decreased sense of balance. They may also have a decline in cognitive skills and not be able to absorb medication as well as older people. Geriatricians are experts in elderly healthcare. A physician who has experience in this field is better equipped to advise you on the best treatments and medications for your loved ones.
Specialties
Geriatrics deals with the elderly. Geriatricians strive to provide health care for the elderly and help prevent disease. They can also treat people with disabilities. Here are some key aspects of this profession. What should you expect to do if you decide to enter this field. How much training do you need? What are the main duties of a Geriatrics Doctor?
Geriatrics might be for you if you have a background as a nurse or doctor. Geriatricians can be described as skilled general practitioners with a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of older people. Geriatricians are skilled in working with other disciplines and can communicate well. Geriatricians find it appealing to specialize in a field that can offer individualized discharge planning and rehabilitation. Anyone interested in this field is encouraged to accept a challenge.
Training
Geriatrics medicine has never required a higher degree. Instead, it emphasizes clinical skills and experience. Today, however there are many world-renowned centers for geriatrics research and funding opportunities in this area are rapidly growing. This specialty includes research that spans basic biomedical sciences and translational gaps. For more information on geriatrics medicine, please read the following.
The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship was created by the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care in 1981. This fellowship program is highly regarded for preparing family physicians and internists for careers in the area of geriatrics. Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education has also accredited this program. There are many options for medical education in geriatrics. A top-notch program is most likely to suit you.