Geriatricians Job Description: Career, Education, Job Outlook and Salary Information
Submitted by: Cheska Davenport
Job Overview: Geriatricians are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of illnesses and disorders which take place in aging persons. These doctors are commonly found in hospitals, nursing homes and facilities which take care specifically for the aging population.
Education, Knowledge and Training Required: In order to become a geriatrician, one should first take up a degree in medicine, and from there he or she could focus on geriatrics as a major. Medical school requires two to three years of classroom training, plus another year or two of internships in a hospital or medical facility. Most geriatricians however take up advanced studies in geriatrics, such as a master’s degree in geriatrics, while others specialize in a specific science degree such as biology, chemistry and mathematics alongside their medical degrees.
Skills and Abilities: Aside from the knowledge and expertise in geriatrics, geriatricians should also be of strong intellect and emotional capacity. To become successful in this field, one should be able to effectively handle the different aspects of the patient’s problems and conditions, including his or her emotional issues. Geriatricians should possess creative problem solving skills, cheerful personalities and congenial temperaments in order to handle the tempers and behaviors of their patients. They must as well be capable of working with others, as well as be committed to lifelong learning.
Tasks: Geriatricians spend their working days mostly with their patients, and these include taking patient histories, running various diagnostic tests and evaluations, as well as listening to their comments, problems or symptoms. Most geriatricians see their patients in clinics, nursing homes or hospitals, and they as well work with other physicians in order to properly diagnose the conditions of their patients and provide the best form of care and treatment. Aside from checking their patients’ conditions, geriatricians also consult with family members in order to provide recommendations, advice and suggestions to promote the improvement of their patients’ health.
They also serve as confidants of family members and provide emotional support for them to cope with their elderly loved one’s deteriorating health and behavior. They also provide prescription medication, recommend therapies and activities to promote better health, as well provide the right instruction as to how to conduct these procedures to elderly patients.
Earnings and Job Outlook: Geriatricians are among the highest-paid physicians today, and the demand for them is increasing especially with the growing rate of persons approaching the golden years. At present they earn an average of $128,000 per year, but this may increase based on their skills and expertise, level of experience and position in the health care facility they work in. Salaried geriatricians also receive benefits such as life and health insurance, retirement pension, vacation leaves and paid sick leaves.
Cheska Davenport is a career search strategist who focuses on creating power resumes and providing job search advice that aim to help individuals achieve their target goals in the job market.
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Word Count: 485 Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2010 Time: 6:10 AM
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