Career Cluster: Healthcare and Medicine
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree
A Geriatrician is a doctor specialising in the treatment of older adult patients.
What is a typical day in Geriatrician?
– Attend clinic to see new and review patients, take their medical histories, perform physical examinations
– Order relevant lab tests and make diagnoses from their findings.
– See patients living with chronic illnesses during their scheduled appointments to assess their progress and determine if they require drug dose adjustments.
– Evaluating physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of aging.
– Treating multiple coexisting illnesses common in older adults.
What else might they be expected to do?
– Refer patients to other specialists as required and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop care plans.
– Assisting with mobility, nutrition, and daily living activities.
– Providing palliative care and supporting patients and families during terminal illnesses.
– Educate patients and their families on lifestyle, dietary and physical exercise
What type of training is needed for this career path?
– Bachelor’s degree in Medicine (MBChB or equivalent).
– Internship and medical licensing.
– Residency in Internal Medicine (3+ years).
– Fellowship in Geriatrics (1-2 years).
What kind of personality is needed to excel in this career path?
– Empathy: Understanding and compassion for older patients.
– Patience: Ability to handle the complexities of aging-related health issues.
– Analytical Thinking: Critical assessment of symptoms and test results.
– Communication Skills: Effectively interacting with patients and their families.
What kind of interests do people in this career path have?
– Preference for working with people, helping others, and being involved in activities that promote social interaction and well-being. (Helping)
– Research and analysis (Thinking)
Holland Codes: Helping (H), Thinking (T).
Are there any innate skills or aptitudes required?
-A genuine interest in the well-being of older adults is a fundamental requirement.
– Strong Communication: Effectively interacting with patients and their families.
– Ability to Remain Calm Under Pressure: patients may exhibit challenging behavior due to cognitive decline
– Decision-Making: Analyzing symptoms and determining appropriate care plans.
– Compassion: Providing empathetic care to patients facing physical and mental decline.
What challenges can I expect to face if I pursue this career path?
– Resource Limitations: Limited access to specialized equipment and facilities in some regions.
– Workforce Shortage: Few trained specialists leading to high demand.
– Emotional Demands: Managing the emotional aspects of aging and end-of-life care.
What are the job prospects for this path in Kenya and Africa? What about International prospects for a Kenyan citizen?
– Kenya & Africa: Growing need for specialists due to an aging population and limited number of geriatricians.
– International: Opportunities in global health initiatives, research collaborations, and healthcare systems facing similar demographic shifts.
What should I focus on if I choose to pursue this career?
– Subject selection must include Biology and Chemistry, Math or Physics at senior school level.
– High grade requirement for all Medical programs locally and abroad.
– Gain exposure by volunteering at Healthcare facilities to ascertain interest
Which other careers or job roles can I progress to?
– Clinical researcher in aging, pharmacology, or chronic disease
– Palliative care specialist
– Geriatric psychiatry
– Policy advisor in public health departments or ministries