[Undergraduate geriatric education in foreign countries]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Japan faces challenges as a super-aged society, increasing the need for specialized geriatric medical care.
• Effective medical care for the elderly hinges on robust geriatric education for medical students and practitioners.
• Existing undergraduate geriatric education varies significantly across global medical institutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare undergraduate education in geriatrics and gerontology at international medical schools.
• To assess the current state of geriatric education in Japan relative to global standards.
• To identify challenges and opportunities for improving geriatric and gerontology curricula.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of undergraduate geriatric and gerontology education programs.
• Data collection and analysis of information sourced globally via the internet.
• Comparative study focusing on Japan's medical schools versus international institutions.

Main Results:

• 62% of surveyed countries mandate undergraduate education in geriatrics and gerontology.
• Nations with advanced welfare systems (e.g., UK, Germany, Canada) demonstrate substantial geriatric education.
• Common barriers include insufficient staff and limited educational time across many institutions.

Conclusions:

• While the importance of geriatric and gerontology education is globally recognized, current programs are often unsatisfactory.
• International collaboration between geriatricians and gerontologists is crucial for advancing medical education in aging.
• Continuous efforts are needed to enhance undergraduate training in geriatrics and gerontology worldwide.