Dialogue on Geriatrics: How Should We Fix the Problem?

Abstract

Letters18 September 2012Dialogue on Geriatrics: How Should We Fix the Problem?Adam G. Golden, MD, MBA, Michael A. Silverman, MD, MPH, CMD, and Michael J. Mintzer, MDAdam G. Golden, MD, MBAFrom University of Central Florida College of Medicine and Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Orlando, FL 32803; West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Palm Beach, FL 33410; and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Miami Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bruce W. Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125.Search for more papers by this author, Michael A. Silverman, MD, MPH, CMDFrom University of Central Florida College of Medicine and Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Orlando, FL 32803; West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Palm Beach, FL 33410; and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Miami Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bruce W. Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125.Search for more papers by this author, and Michael J. Mintzer, MDFrom University of Central Florida College of Medicine and Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Orlando, FL 32803; West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Palm Beach, FL 33410; and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Miami Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bruce W. Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-157-6-201209180-00022 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail IN RESPONSE:Several comments state that our line of reasoning may be “dubious” or “negative.” Drs. Burton and Durso even contend that “geriatrics is very much alive” based on teaching and research efforts occurring at academic medical centers. However, no evidence is provided to dispute that the clinical subspecialty of geriatric medicine in the United States remains an unpopular career choice, is poorly reimbursed, and lacks sufficient research demonstrating its effectiveness compared with nongeriatricians (1). In addition, we agree with Dr. Hamerman that despite much progress in the basic science of aging, these efforts have not translated into geriatrician-specific medical ...