Geriatric Physician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In our rapidly aging society, the focus on geriatric physicians is more crucial than ever.

Healthcare advances, and with each stride, the demand for experienced professionals who can understand, manage, and enhance the well-being of our aging population grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a geriatric physician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this role,
• A healthcare recruiter defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of geriatric medicine,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable geriatric physician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Geriatric Physician Duties and Responsibilities

Geriatric Physicians, also known as Geriatricians, specialize in the health and well-being of older adults.

They are trained to understand the aging process and prevent, manage, and develop treatment plans for diseases that commonly occur in older adults.

The duties and responsibilities of a Geriatric Physician include:

• Evaluating and treating medical conditions specific to the elderly, such as dementia, arthritis, osteoporosis, and hypertension
• Performing regular health check-ups, routine tests and screenings to assess the overall health condition of the patient
• Providing end-of-life care and discussing advanced care planning with patients and their families
• Collaborating with other healthcare providers, such as nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and social workers, to provide coordinated care
• Prescribing and managing medications, considering potential side effects and interactions in the elderly population
• Advising on lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, and sleep, to improve overall health and prevent disease
• Addressing concerns related to incontinence, mobility issues, and falls
• Assisting patients and their families with decisions related to long-term care, home care, or assisted living facilities
• Providing emotional support and counseling to patients and their families dealing with the challenges of aging and illness

 

Geriatric Physician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Geriatric Physician to join our healthcare team.

The Geriatric Physician will primarily be responsible for providing comprehensive medical care to our older patients, including diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and referral when necessary.

The ideal candidate should have proven experience in Geriatric Medicine, a strong understanding of the aging process, excellent communication skills, and a strong commitment to improving the quality of life for elderly patients.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular thorough examinations on elderly patients to assess their health condition and discover possible diseases or illnesses
• Diagnose and treat health issues specific to the elderly like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis
• Prescribe appropriate treatment plans and medications considering the multiple health conditions often encountered in geriatric patients
• Provide advice on diet, preventive actions for diseases and overall health to patients
• Coordinate with other physicians and health care professionals for creating a comprehensive care plan
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families, educating and informing them about their treatment plans
• Document patient data, including symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments in electronic medical records

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree and valid license to practice medicine
• Proven work experience as a Geriatric Physician
• Board certification in geriatric medicine
• Strong understanding of the aging process and the medical conditions commonly encountered in elderly patients
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex medical information in understandable terms
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Geriatric Physician
• Work Environment: Hospital or outpatient clinic. Some on-call hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Geriatric Medicine.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $200,000 minimum to $300,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, including your certification in geriatric medicine, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Geriatric Physician Do?

Geriatric Physicians, also known as Geriatricians, specialize in the medical care of elderly patients.

They work in various healthcare settings including hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics, and sometimes they provide home care services.

Geriatricians conduct comprehensive medical assessments to diagnose and treat multiple health issues common in older adults such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and osteoporosis.

They often deal with complex medical cases where multiple conditions may occur simultaneously.

Their role includes managing the overall health of their patients, prescribing medication, and coordinating with other healthcare providers to ensure that all medical needs are met.

They also provide preventive care services to help maintain the health of their patients and slow the progression of diseases.

In addition, Geriatric Physicians often help their patients and families make decisions about suitable healthcare options and end-of-life care.

They are equipped with knowledge about the social and psychological issues that often affect elderly patients, and they offer counseling and support to help patients cope with the challenges of aging.

Furthermore, Geriatricians often work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physical therapists, and social workers, to provide holistic care to their patients.

 

Geriatric Physician Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Geriatric Physician should have the skills and qualifications that align with the specific requirements of this complex role, such as:

• Thorough medical knowledge with a focus on geriatric care, able to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases and disabilities in older adults.
• Strong empathy and patience to deal with the unique issues elderly patients face, and ability to provide them with reassuring and compassionate care.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with elderly patients, who may have hearing, vision or cognitive impairments, and to maintain clear communication with their family members and caregivers.
• Problem-solving skills to manage complex health conditions, often involving multiple ailments, and to make decisions about the most suitable course of treatment.
• Teamwork skills to collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as nurses, physiotherapists, and social workers, to manage the overall health and well-being of patients.
• Detail-oriented approach to keep track of a multitude of medications, treatments, and medical histories for multiple patients.
• Physical stamina to handle the demands of long hours and the potential physical strain of aiding patients.
• Board certification in geriatric medicine, demonstrating a high level of competence in this specialty.

 

Geriatric Physician Experience Requirements

Geriatric Physicians, also known as Geriatricians, typically require extensive training and experience due to the complex nature of their field.

The journey to becoming a geriatric physician often starts with obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, followed by attending medical school to obtain a Doctor of Medicine degree.

During medical school, students gain a considerable amount of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, including rotations in various medical specialties.

Following medical school, they must complete a residency in family medicine or internal medicine, which usually takes about three to four years and provides hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced physicians.

Upon completion of their residency, physicians who wish to specialize in geriatrics will typically pursue a fellowship in geriatric medicine.

This fellowship usually lasts 1 to 2 years and offers intensive, specialized experience in treating older adults.

Once the fellowship is completed, the physician can then apply to become board certified in geriatric medicine.

This certification demonstrates a high level of competence in the field and is often a requirement for geriatric physician roles.

In addition to these formal education and training requirements, geriatric physicians should have several years of practical experience in the medical field, ideally with a focus on geriatrics.

This experience may be gained through roles such as family doctor, internist, or hospitalist.

Those with over 5 years of practical experience in geriatrics may also have some leadership experience in their background and could be ready for roles such as medical director at a senior living facility or department head at a hospital.

Continuous education and staying updated with the latest research in geriatric medicine is also crucial for a geriatric physician.

 

Geriatric Physician Education and Training Requirements

Geriatric Physicians, also known as Geriatricians, are required to complete a rigorous educational journey before starting their practice.

To begin, individuals must obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, typically in science-related fields such as biology, chemistry, or physics.

Following their undergraduate education, aspiring Geriatric Physicians must attend and graduate from a medical school, which generally takes four years.

This training involves two years of classroom and laboratory work and two years of clinical rotations.

Upon completion of medical school, individuals need to undertake a residency program in either family medicine or internal medicine, which lasts between three to seven years.

The residency provides physicians with hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating diseases under the supervision of experienced doctors.

After their residency, physicians who want to specialize in geriatrics must complete a geriatric medicine fellowship.

This program, which typically lasts one to two years, provides physicians with advanced training in treating elderly patients and managing their unique health concerns.

Once the fellowship is complete, physicians must become board certified in geriatric medicine.

This involves passing a certification exam administered by either the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM).

Geriatric Physicians are encouraged to engage in ongoing education and professional development to stay abreast of the latest advancements in geriatric care.

This can include attending conferences, completing continuing education courses, and participating in research studies.

In addition to formal education and training, successful Geriatric Physicians should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with elderly patients and their families.

They should also be compassionate, patient, and have an understanding of the unique challenges the elderly population faces.

 

Geriatric Physician Salary Expectations

A Geriatric Physician earns an average salary of $200,890 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may differ based on factors such as years of experience, certifications, location, and the specific healthcare organization they work for.

 

Geriatric Physician Job Description FAQs

What is the educational requirement to become a Geriatric Physician?

To become a Geriatric Physician, one must first complete a Bachelor’s degree followed by a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree.

This is followed by a residency in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine, and then a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine.

Lastly, they must pass the geriatric medicine certification examination to become board certified.

 

What are the key skills required for a Geriatric Physician?

Geriatric Physicians should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with older patients and their families.

They should also have a good understanding of the aging process and its impact on physical and mental health.

Patience, compassion, and the ability to handle sensitive situations are also essential skills for a Geriatric Physician.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Geriatric Physician?

A typical day for a Geriatric Physician may include conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medication, and providing advice on overall wellness and disease prevention.

They also coordinate with other healthcare professionals to manage their patients’ health, and spend time staying up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in geriatric care.

 

What qualities make a good Geriatric Physician?

A good Geriatric Physician is patient, understanding, and empathetic.

They should be able to handle sensitive situations and have good decision-making skills to provide the best possible care for their patients.

They should also be knowledgeable about the latest medical advancements in geriatric care and be able to work effectively in a team with other healthcare professionals.

 

What are the challenges in hiring a Geriatric Physician?

Hiring a Geriatric Physician can be challenging due to the specific skill set and experience required.

The aging population is growing, which increases the demand for Geriatric Physicians.

However, the supply of professionals specialized in geriatrics is relatively low, making the hiring process competitive.

It’s essential to offer an attractive package, including competitive salaries, good work-life balance, and opportunities for continuous learning and development.

 

Conclusion

And that’s the long and short of it.

Today, we’ve taken a detailed look at what it means to step into the shoes of a geriatric physician.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about prescribing medicine.

It’s about orchestrating the golden years of patients, one health decision at a time.

With our streamlined geriatric physician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why halt your journey here?

Embark further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating detailed job listings or polishing your resume to its finest.

Remember:

Every health decision contributes to the bigger picture of a patient’s life.

Let’s shape those golden years. Together.

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