Faculty resources for teaching geriatric medicine

Self-administered questionnaires were sent to all faculty and staff members of the departments of internal medicine and psychiatry in a school of medicine. The questionnaires asked for information about personal characteristics, practice characteristics, and interest in teaching geriatrics. Included also were measures of knowledge about aging and attitudes toward the elderly. Responses were received from 25 per cent of the faculty. Results indicated that 40 per cent wanted no involvement in teaching geriatrics. Of the remainder, most preferred a consultant's role on a clinical service. Despite extensive experience with elderly patients, respondents showed modest scores on knowledge, but there was little stereotyping of elderly patients. Implications for establishing a training program in geriatrics are discussed.