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Why do residents choose to specialize in geriatric medicine?
Magdalena Linge Martín1,2, Gema Somoza Fernández3, Nicolas M Gonzalez-Senac4,5
1Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Universitario de La Ribera, Alzira, Spain.
European Geriatric Medicine
|July 11, 2026
Summary
Medical residents are drawn to Geriatric Medicine by affinity with older adults and clinical complexity. Comprehensive training increases consideration of this specialty, highlighting its rewarding aspects.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Medical Education
- Specialty Choice
Background:
- Geriatric Medicine is a growing field crucial for an aging global population.
- Understanding resident motivations is key to attracting future specialists.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify key factors influencing medical residents' choice of Geriatric Medicine.
- Evaluate the impact of Geriatric Medicine training exposure on specialty selection.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative descriptive study utilizing anonymous questionnaires.
- Survey distributed to accredited Spanish Geriatric Medicine training units (2023/2024).
- Intentional sampling of 129 medical residents.
Main Results:
- Top factors: affinity with older persons (95%), communication (90%), multidisciplinary work (86%), clinical complexity (84%).
- Residents with complete Geriatric Medicine training were more likely to consider the specialty (75% vs. 54%, p=0.02).
- Clinical complexity was more significant for those with complete training (92% vs. 77%, p=0.027).
Conclusions:
- Geriatric Medicine selection is driven by personal motivations and specialty characteristics.
- Comprehensive Geriatric Medicine training can reframe perceived challenges into attractive features.
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