Incorporating geriatrics into undergraduate medical education in Lebanon.

Abstract

Although the proportion of older adults in Lebanon is expected to increase rapidly over the next few decades, the current healthcare workforce is unprepared to address the needs of this population. Currently, emphasis on geriatrics is lacking in medical education curricula of most universities in Lebanon, and there is a shortage of geriatricians in the country. In this paper we present specific methods of integrating geriatrics into the undergraduate medical curriculum based on the experience of medical schools in the United States. Incorporating geriatrics into the medical curriculum requires support from deans and faculty members at medical schools, as well as training of non-geriatricians to teach geriatrics within their specialty. Geriatrics training can be gradually incorporated into existing courses throughout the four years of medical school, and should consist of a holistic approach that teaches students how to diagnose, treat, and interact with older adults and their caregivers while being mindful of their psychological, physical and social wellbeing. Increasing exposure to geriatric education during medical school promises to increase interest in geriatrics, and ultimately help address the shortage of geriatricians in the country.