How to become a geriatrician

How to become a Geriatrician

Becoming a geriatrician involves several years of education, training, and certification specific to the field of geriatric medicine. Here are the general steps to pursue a career as a geriatrician:

• Undergraduate Education: Obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific undergraduate major required for admission to medical school, aspiring geriatricians typically complete pre-med coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Maintaining a high GPA and gaining relevant extracurricular experiences, such as volunteering in healthcare settings or working with older adults, can strengthen your medical school application.
• Medical School: Apply to and attend an accredited medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. Medical school typically lasts four years and includes coursework in basic medical sciences, clinical rotations, and hands-on training in various medical specialties. During medical school, students interested in geriatric medicine may participate in electives or clerkships in geriatrics or related fields to gain exposure to caring for older adults.
• Residency Training in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine: After graduating from medical school, complete a residency program in internal medicine or family medicine accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Residency training typically lasts three years for internal medicine and four years for family medicine and provides comprehensive clinical experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of medical conditions in adult and older adult populations.
• Fellowship Training in Geriatric Medicine: After completing residency training, pursue fellowship training in geriatric medicine accredited by the ACGME or the AOA. Geriatric medicine fellowships typically last one to two years and provide specialized training in the care of older adults, including geriatric assessment, chronic disease management, palliative care, end-of-life care, and interdisciplinary team collaboration. Fellows gain experience in various clinical settings, such as outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and hospitals, under the supervision of experienced geriatricians.
• Board Certification: Upon completing fellowship training, become board certified in geriatric medicine by passing the examination administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM). Board certification demonstrates proficiency in geriatric medicine practice and is typically required for obtaining state medical licensure and practicing as a geriatrician in the United States (see below).
• State Medical Licensure: Obtain a medical license from the state medical board in the state where you plan to practice as a geriatrician. State licensure requirements vary but typically include passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX), completing postgraduate training, and meeting other state-specific requirements.
• Optional Subspecialty Certification: Some geriatricians may choose to pursue additional subspecialty certification in areas such as hospice and palliative medicine, geriatric psychiatry, or geriatric cardiology to further enhance their expertise in specific aspects of geriatric care.

Board Certification
Geriatricians can obtain board certification through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM). Here's an overview of the board certification process for geriatricians:

• Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for board certification in geriatric medicine, physicians must complete an accredited fellowship program in geriatric medicine following residency training in internal medicine or family medicine. Geriatric medicine fellowships typically last one to two years and provide specialized training in the care of older adults, including geriatric assessment, chronic disease management, palliative care, and interdisciplinary team collaboration.
• Examination: The primary requirement for board certification in geriatric medicine is passing the certifying examination administered by the ABIM or the AOBIM. The examination assesses the candidate's knowledge, clinical skills, and competency in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of medical conditions commonly encountered in older adult populations. It covers topics such as geriatric syndromes, pharmacotherapy in older adults, cognitive disorders, and end-of-life care.
• Maintenance of Certification (MOC): After achieving initial board certification, geriatricians must participate in the ABIM's Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program to maintain their certification status. The MOC program includes ongoing professional development activities, such as continuing medical education (CME), self-assessment modules, practice improvement projects, and periodic recertification examinations. Participation in the MOC program ensures that geriatricians stay up-to-date on advances in geriatric medicine practice and demonstrate ongoing competency and expertise in the field.
• Recertification: Board certification in geriatric medicine is valid for a specified period, typically ten years, after which geriatricians must undergo recertification to maintain their certification status. Recertification involves completing additional CME credits, participating in practice improvement activities, and passing a recertification examination. By successfully completing the recertification process, geriatricians demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality care and staying current with advancements in geriatric medicine practice.