The Changing Face Of Geriatrics: How Training In The Care Of The Elderly Changed My Perception And Practice

Abstract

As a doctor, trained and practicing in India, my idea of Geriatrics was pretty much the same as most others – caring for patients who were the same as every other patient, just older. The first indication that this view would change came even before I left for my training in the UK. During my interview for a training post under the Royal College of Physicians, I was asked what my experience in Geriatrics was. I replied that I had a lot of experience in treating patients who were above 60 years of age. The interviewer laughed and informed me that 60 is still considered middle aged in the UK and the patient needs to be above 80 years to be considered geriatric. He also pointed out that I would be seeing a lot of patients in their late nineties and a few in their early hundreds. His words had the effect of leaving me wondering at the challenges I would face during my practice in the UK.