Reasons geriatrics fellows choose geriatrics as a career, and implications for workforce recruitment

Objectives: Although the population of older adults is rising, the number of physicians seeking geriatrics training is decreasing. This study of fellows in geriatrics training programs across the United States explored motivating factors that led fellows to pursue geriatrics in order to inform recruitment efforts. Design: Semi-structured telephone interviews with geriatrics fellows. Setting: Academic medical centers. Participants: Fifteen geriatrics fellows from academic medical centers across the United States. Measurements: This qualitative telephone study involved interviews that were transcribed and descriptively coded by two independent reviewers. A thematic analysis of the codes was summarized. Results: Fellows revealed that mentorship and early exposure to geriatrics were the most influential factors affecting career choice. Conclusion: The results of this study have the potential for a large impact, helping to inform best practices in encouraging trainees to enter the field, and enhancing medical student and resident exposure to geriatrics.