Why medical students do not choose a career in geriatrics: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundWhile the demand for doctors specialised in the medical care of elderly patients is increasing, the interest among medical students for a career in geriatrics is lagging behind.MethodsTo get an overview of the different factors reported in the literature that affect the (low) interest among medical students for a career in geriatrics, a systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and ERIC. Quality assessment criteria were applied.ResultsTwenty studies met the criteria and were included in the review.In relation to the nature of the work, the preference of medical students is young patients, and acute somatic diseases that can be cured. The complexity of the geriatric patient deters students from choosing this specialty. Exposure by means of pre-clinical and particularly clinical education increases interest. The lack of status and the financial aspects have a negative influence on interest.ConclusionExposure to geriatrics by means of education is necessary. The challenge in geriatric education is to show the rewarding aspects of the specialty.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12909-015-0384-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Come, join, lead: Attracting students to careers in aging and promoting involvement in gerontological societies

“…In terms of influences on choosing a career in aging, previous research on the development of curricular, extracurricular, and career interests has identified several influences, all reported by our survey respondents as well. These findings are consistent with influences reported in previous surveys with geropsychologists (Karel et al, 1999; Woodhead et al, 2013) and physicians (Meiboom et al, 2015), highlighting several points where expanded and deliberate outreach to students may be productive for drawing them into the field. Direct experiences with older adults within families, presumably with grandparents and other relatives, led to career interests for some participants.…”

“…Barriers that detract students from careers in aging include negative attitudes about aging, concerns about the capacity to be effective, and the complexity of geriatric care (Meiboom, De Vries, Hertogh, & Scheele, 2015). On the brighter side, each year a substantial (though still inadequate) number of students do dedicate themselves to geriatrics and gerontology.…”

How do workplaces, working practices and colleagues affect UK doctors’ career decisions? A qualitative study of junior doctors’ career decision making in the UK

“…9 However, students who do not enjoy working with specific patient groups (eg, elderly patients) are not necessarily attracted to do so unless they become convinced of the positive aspects of that specialty. 10 Discrete choice experiment studies have indicated that while medical students primarily value good working conditions, junior doctors also value good opportunities for partners and a desirable geographical location. 11 12 However, these studies are unable to elicit detailed information about which aspects of workplaces, working practices or the experiences gained through observing colleagues exert most influence on doctors' specialty choice.…”

New horizons in geriatric medicine education and training: The need for pan-European education and training standards

“…Barriers to recruitment to a career in geriatric medicine have also been identified. Trainees, although identifying with the intellectual challenges and the "mission" of geriatric medicine, cite financial and status-related issues as deterrents to a career in the specialty [15,16]. In some countries, a perceived lack of research opportunities in ageing and clinical research has also been identified as a deterrent to a career in the specialty.…”