Goals and mechanisms for training otolaryngologists in the area of geriatric medicine

Population dynamics indicate that the need for services by otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons will increase. These requirements will also be more complex because of the prevalence of other diseases in the elderly and their varied social and psychological demands. To meet that need, additional research in head and neck disorders and physiology will be necessary. Current and newly developed information relating to geriatrics in otolaryngology must be incorporated into present training and continuing education programs to provide members of our specialty with enough background to adequately diagnose and treat head and neck disorders in the elderly. Otolaryngologist - head and neck surgeons and their elderly patients will benefit from the creation of centers and fellowships that study pathologic processes and normal physiologic change, and that train a new generation of physician-scientists committed to the care of elderly head and neck patients.