Geriatric training needs of family physicians

Family physicians provide the majority of medical care to the elderly population throughout the country. These physicians require accessible Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs that meet their specific educational needs. This study provides information on the perceived training needs and preferred training modalities reported by a sample of community based family medicine faculty preceptors in a Southeastern state. Respondents preffered short courses focusing on organ system diseases common in the elderly population but also wanted more training in managing some of the more complex nonmedical problems that can adversely affect the delivery of medical care. Findings have implications for CME planners who want to provide family physicians training in geriatrics and gerontology that will positively impact their care of the elderly.