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Subspecialty certification in geriatric psychiatry.
Dorthea Juul1, Stephen C Scheiber
1American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc., 500 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL 60015-5249, USA.
Summary
The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology developed certification for geriatric psychiatry. While 2,595 certificates have been awarded, only 63% of eligible diplomates have completed recertification, highlighting a need for more geriatric psychiatrists.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Medical Education
- Professional Certification
Background:
- Geriatric psychiatry is a subspecialty of psychiatry.
- The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) established certification in this field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development of certification and recertification processes for geriatric psychiatry.
- To analyze the outcomes of these certification processes.
Main Methods:
- Review of certifying organization databases.
- Consultation of published surveys of examinees.
Main Results:
- 2,595 certificates in geriatric psychiatry awarded since 1991.
- Recertification is required every 10 years.
- Approximately 63% of eligible diplomates have successfully completed recertification.
Conclusions:
- A projected need for 5,000 geriatric psychiatrists indicates growing demand.
- Board-certified geriatric psychiatrists will be crucial for interdisciplinary education.
- The certification and recertification processes are vital for maintaining expertise in geriatric psychiatry.