gerontology?

[young guy np]

I would like to know if gerontology is considered primary care.

young guy np

 

[Gregory Gulick]

Gerontology is the ACADEMIC study of aging. This includes such things as the biology, psychology, sociology, economics, etc. of aging.

Geriatrics is the MEDICAL specialty of diseases of the aged. There is a debate whether or not geriatrics is actually considered primary care. Since pediatrics is considered primary care, many argue that geriatrics should also be primary care. Yet, the training is a fellowship (one year minimal) that is done after a primary care residency (IM or FP). So in this regard it is a specialty.

Regardless of whether or not it is considered primary care, one thing is for sure: there is certainly no glut of geriatricians. We need a lot more of them but few physicians are willing to endure the extra year of training for minimal financial gain.

If you have any other questions, drop me e-mail at [email protected] .

Take care.

Gregory Gulick, MA
(A gerontologist and future geriatrician)

 

[DocGibby]

Greg,

Talk about a definite need! In roughly 10 years all the Baby boomers are gonna retire. That's alot of prospective patients. Their's never been a better time to get into geriatrics.

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DocGibby
MSUCOM class of 2004