[University education in geriatrics--present status and future prospects of gerontology and geriatrics education in...

The increase in the number and proportion of the elderly in Japan over the last 30 years has been faster than that in any other country. One of the measures we are compelled to take to deal with this drastic change in medicosocial circumstances is reform of the medical school curriculum. However, the necessary reforms are being implemented slowly and are still insufficient. We surveyed the present status of gerontology and geriatrics education in pathology, and the understanding, interest, and opinions on this matter among professors of pathology. Questionnaires were sent to 148 professors of pathology in 80 medical schools. Responses were received from 84 professors (57%) at 64 medical schools (80%). Of the 11 medical schools with a department of geriatrics 10(90%) included gerontology in the curriculum. In contrast, 43(80%) of the 53 remaining schools did not include gerontology in the curriculum, although education in geriatrics and gerontology has been given as part of pathology lectures in almost all medical schools. Many professors want to establish a department of geriatrics in their school, but feel it will be difficult because of lack of money and higher priority given to other fields. As other hindrances, most of the respondents noted the lack of money and higher priority given to other fields. As other hindrances, most of the respondents noted the lack of a good textbook of gerontology, ambiguity in the concept of the field, and the immaturity of gerontology as a science. Another major problem noted was uncertainty regarding the status of geriatrics as a clinical specialty. One professor mentioned that promotion of aging research would be the best way to solve these problems.