No abstract

Findings from this study suggest that older, more experienced doctors report lower psychological distress and burnout than younger doctors which the older doctors attributed to lessons learned over their years of training and practice. It may be of considerable value to find ways to more efficiently pass on these lessons to younger doctors to aid them in dealing with this challenging profession. By soliciting older doctors to aid in this transfer of knowledge, this approach may also have the added benefit of assisting older doctors in transitioning from an active clinical practice to a role of mentoring the new physician cohort.

No abstract

Although dementia specialists have long recognized the importance of a sensitive approach to conveying bad news to patients and families and the possibility of depressive reactions, suicidal behavior has not been regarded as a likely outcome. Such preconceptions will need to change, and protocols to monitor and manage suicide risk will need to be developed for this population.

Even after 25 years, severe depressive disorders appear to have poor long-term outcomes. Patients with chronic outcomes over 15 years can improve when followed over longer periods.

No abstract

To our knowledge there has been no other comprehensive examination of patterns of impairment in older doctors. Older doctors are prone to suffer "the four Ds": dementia, drugs, drink and depression. We need to encourage mature doctors to adapt to age-related changes and illness and validate their right to timely and appropriate retirement.

Guidelines for experts who are asked to provide a contemporaneous opinion on testamentary capacity should help to inform disputes resulting from challenges to wills. A consistent clinical approach will help the courts to make their determinations.