Become a Geriatric Physician: What You Need to Know

Become a Geriatric Physician: What You Need to Know

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With literally dozens of different specialties that a healthcare professional could pursue, why are so many people flocking towards a geriatric physician career? Well, will plenty of job openings, and a constant need to take care of the older generations, learning how to become a geriatric physician can be a stellar career choice. As our body changes, we must learn the proper ways to take care of it. So, just as children see pediatricians or women see OBGYN specialists, seniors rely on a geriatrics specialist to ensure that the aging process is running as smoothly as possible. Below is a basic rundown on what you need to know if you want to become a geriatric physician.

Become a Geriatric Physician: What You Need to Know

Who?

As long as you have a few preliminary degrees in healthcare, really anyone can decide to become a geriatric physician. While it takes on average about 8-10 years, there’s no denying that you’ll be entering a field in which your specialty is highly desired. These are the requirements you’ll need to have before you can become a geriatric physician:

  • Undergraduate degree (e.g., Bachelors of Science)
  • Medical degree (e.g., M.D., D.O.; from an accredited medical school)
  • Residency program (3–5 years of training in a general medicine, usually in a hospital or clinic)
  • Medical license (unrestricted, granted by each state)
  • Board certification (e.g., in family medicine, internal medicine; must pass an oral and written examination)
  • Fellowship program (in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry; usually 1–3 years)
  • Certification in Geriatric Medicine

While this may seem extensive, just remember that you’ll be walking into an industry with a job shortage, so hospitals and clinics will be begging you to work for them!

What?

Once you become a geriatric physician, there are a few important things to consider. Geriatric physicians are concerned with health problems that frequently affect older adults, such as pain, falls, memory loss, incontinence (involuntary loss of urine), and medication side effects. Another important aspect of geriatric medicine is evaluating an elderly patient’s ability to care for him- or herself (e.g., prepare and eat meals, bathe, dress). Similar to a pediatric physician with children, a geriatrics physician will handle the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of different age-related ailments. Not only are you in charge of monitoring illness and injury, but, you’ll also work with seniors to ensure they are trying to live a healthy lifestyle so they can prevent any more issues. You might even end up recommending them to start looking at nursing community options.

Where?

The best thing about becoming a geriatric physician is that there is a job shortage so there is a constant demand for this specialty. As soon as you become certified you’ll be able to start as soon as possible. Luckily, AllPhysicianJobs will find you the best possible assignments so you can start helping seniors in any location you desire. Whether it’s the sunny Florida coastline, or the bustling state of New York, becoming a geriatric physician will open the door to any destination.

become a geriatric physician

As a geriatric physician, you’ll be helping the aging process run smoothly.

When?

There’s no better time than the present to become a geriatric physician, so make sure to start pursuing your geriatric physician career as soon as you can. There are plenty of resources for healthcare professionals, so make sure you do your research before you begin your journey.

Why?

When you become a geriatric physician, you’ll be given the opportunity to help an entire generation that has shaped the world as we know it. Helping others as a geriatric physician will provide you with the rewarding satisfaction of helping seniors with the aging process. It’s time to become a geriatric physician so you can travel the country helping those in need. What are you waiting for? Get started today!

Author: Locum Jobs Online

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