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[Geriatric medical education: an unclosed loop]
Norberto D Bassan1, Oraldo R Soldano, Miguel A Vinuesa
1Cátedra de Histología, Citología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Rosario, Argentina. norbassan@sinectis.com.ar
Summary
Medical students recognize the importance of geriatric medicine but lack specialized training. Few intend to specialize, highlighting a gap in geriatric education during undergraduate studies.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Medical Education
Context:
- The aging global population necessitates a competent physician workforce trained in geriatric medicine.
- Current medical curricula may not adequately address the specialized needs of geriatric care.
Purpose:
- To assess the current state of geriatric medical teaching in medical schools.
- To evaluate first- and fourth-year medical students' intentions to specialize in Geriatrics.
- To understand students' perceptions of Geriatrics' relevance and optimal curricular placement.
Summary:
- Analysis of curricula from 26 medical schools and an opinion poll of 159 students revealed that 98% received no Geriatrics training.
- Only 2% of first-year and 0% of fourth-year students expressed interest in specializing in Geriatrics.
- Despite low specialization intent, a high percentage of students (77% of first-year, 91% of fourth-year) considered Geriatrics an important field.
Impact:
- Findings underscore a significant disconnect between the perceived importance of Geriatrics and actual student engagement and training.
- Results suggest a need to integrate comprehensive Geriatrics education into undergraduate medical curricula to prepare future physicians for an aging population.
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