Ohio Department of Aging
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June 2006
Each year, fewer than 300 physicians enter geriatric training programs - a number that continues to decrease, according to the American Geriatrics Society. What isn't decreasing is the number of older Americans who could use their services.
Each month, 12,000 Ohioans turn 60. Nationally, 78 million Baby Boomers have begun turning 60. The number of Americans age 65 and older will double in the next two decades.
While they are typically healthier, more independent and more active than their parents, today's older adults make up a large percentage of the nation's hospital and out-patient populations. About 80 percent of adults age 65 or older have at least one chronic health condition and 50 percent have at least two. Yet, fewer than 10 percent of American medical schools have mandatory education in geriatric medicine.
Geriatrics focuses on health promotion and the prevention and treatment of disease and disability in later life. Geriatric medicine helps patients remain independent and active. Geriatricians manage multiple disease symptoms and develop care plans that address the special health care needs of older adults and coordinate care with other medical disciplines to treat the "whole" patient.
Geriatricians are initially trained in family practice or internal medicine. They then complete at least one additional year of fellowship training in geriatrics. The number of physicians certified as geriatricians has dropped 20 percent over the last eight years. Currently, we only have about one geriatrician for every 5,000 older Americans and this could rise to just one doctor for every 36,000 seniors by 2030!
The Ohio Department of Aging proudly recognizes students who have chosen a career in geriatric medicine. This year, seven outstanding graduates received the 2006 Geriatric Medicine Award in gratitude for their dedication and continued interest in geriatric medicine and research.
Sara Snyder is one of these honorees. A fourth year medical student at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sara shifted her career path immediately following her geriatric rotation at Akron City Hospital. "I chose geriatrics because I believe that this is an underserved population. It seems like they are often passed over, even by doctors treating them," said Sara.
Sara also feels geriatrics is one of the most osteopathic-minded practices. "It is important to get their living status, their functional level, their religious affiliations and their beliefs and concerns," said Sara. "I feel like every time I am treating a patient, I get to treat the whole person, and I enjoy it immensely."
Sara is not alone in her love for geriatrics. A survey published in 2002 in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that "practicing geriatricians reported unusually high job satisfaction," even though they remain the lowest-paid of all specialists.
Now, more than ever, we need to recognize and encourage talented physicians who will play a key role in improving the care we provide the growing number of older Ohioans. I encourage every school, community and family to consider how important geriatric professionals are and inspire more young people to help us meet the need.
Ohio Department of Aging