A four-year college degree is required to become a geriatric physician, followed by medical school and a residency as a working family practice or internal medicine physician at a licensed medical center. You will be able to take additional educational courses to become certified in geriatric medicine after your residency is completed. Depending on where you live, the specific requirements and guidelines may differ.
A geriatric physician is a physician who specializes in the needs and care of the elderly. This includes treating disease and assisting patients in remaining as independent as possible. As a geriatrician, you may also be able to assist patients by providing advice on how to stay healthy as they age.
Obtaining a four-year degree from a college or university is the first step toward becoming a geriatric physician. A major in a science-related field, such as biology or chemistry, is a good choice. To get the best advice on choosing a major, speak with a college adviser before enrolling and tell him or her that you want to go to medical school. You could also major in a field related to working with the elderly or social services, as these will be useful skills when working as a geriatric physician.
You’ll need to enroll in an accredited medical school after you finish your degree. This is where you will learn the skills you will need to treat patients and cure diseases. To become a geriatric physician, you’ll need to complete a residency at a training hospital or medical center. You’ll be working with real patients under the supervision and guidance of experienced doctors.
You should concentrate on becoming a general practitioner or an internal medicine physician during your residency. After completing your residency, you can continue your education in geriatric medicine by taking specialized courses. Online courses, seminars, additional college classes, and on-the-job training are all possibilities. The specific educational requirements will vary depending on where you live. Frequently, you will engage in a combination of these activities. Furthermore, as treatment methods and technologies evolve, you will most likely require ongoing training and education throughout your career.