Dealing with older people is rewarding and interesting and the work
is extremely diverse. As well as providing an interface with the
community, the specialty adopts an approach that seeks to understand
the impact of physical illness, psychological illness, social and
environmental factors on the health of older people. It also enables
greater continuity of care than can be attained in many specialty
areas, so it is possible for you to develop long-term relationships
with patients.
You need to have a positive attitude towards ageing and you must be
prepared to manage cases over a long period of time and to care for
those who are dying. It is important to possess clinical acumen and
sound judgement, since you need to balance the application of
investigations and therapeutic procedures with long-term benefits to
the individual. Patience, communication skills and an ability to
work in a team are all essential attributes. It is important to be
able to treat people holistically and not just their presenting
disease.
A typical week for a hospital-based specialist would involve a
combination of inpatient care, outpatient clinics, ward
consultations (surgical, medical, and psychogeriatric) and community
visits.
Demographic changes will result in increasing demand for the
services of this specialty. Advances in technology are being made, although
the degree to which these can be implemented on a clinical basis will depend
on resources and rationing.
It is recommended that you should talk to enthusiastic
geriatricians. In preparation for advanced training you should
undertake broad clinical training with experience in subspecialties
that have particular relevance to chronic illness (such as
rheumatology, neurology, psychiatry and cardiology). Research
experience is also desirable.
It should be possible for you to take time out to travel or to start
a family. Geriatric Medicine is reasonably flexible and has a good
record in accommodating these needs.
The impact on family life varies between individuals, although the
specialty does tend to be less demanding than others in terms of
after-hours commitments.
