Geriatrician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of medical advancements, the focus on Geriatricians has become increasingly significant.
As our population ages, the demand for skilled professionals who can address, manage, and care for our seniors’ health and wellbeing grows.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Geriatrician?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of geriatric medicine,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Geriatrician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s get started.
Geriatrician Duties and Responsibilities
Geriatricians are specialized physicians who diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and conditions that occur more commonly in the elderly.
They provide comprehensive medical care for people later in life and aim to promote health by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in older adults.
Here are their primary duties and responsibilities:
- Evaluate and manage the overall health of older adults
- Diagnose and treat medical conditions specific to the elderly
- Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care
- Develop care plans tailored to individual patient needs and circumstances
- Address issues related to geriatric syndromes such as frailty, incontinence, falls, and dementia
- Prescribe and manage medications, taking into account potential side effects and interactions in older adults
- Communicate effectively with patients and their families about prognosis, treatment options, and potential outcomes
- Perform routine check-ups and assessments to monitor patient health
- Educate patients and caregivers about healthy lifestyle choices and self-care skills
- Provide palliative care and end-of-life care when necessary
Geriatrician Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a dedicated and patient-focused Geriatrician to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and conditions that most commonly affect the elderly population.
This includes chronic diseases, nutritional problems, skin ailments, cognitive loss, memory impairment, adverse effects of medications, immobility and balances issues.
The successful candidate will be experienced in geriatric care and fully equipped to advise on health maintenance and disease prevention for elderly patients.
Responsibilities
- Evaluating and managing geriatric illnesses including but not limited to chronic diseases, nutritional problems, skin ailments, cognitive loss, memory impairment, adverse effects of medications, immobility and balances issues.
- Developing comprehensive geriatric assessments based on patient history, clinical observation and diagnostic tests.
- Coordinating and integrating inter-disciplinary teams for optimum patient care.
- Advocating for the health needs of elderly patients.
- Communicating effectively with patients and their families, instilling trust and confidence.
- Providing palliative care to improve the quality of life of patients with serious illnesses.
- Keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in geriatrics and participating in professional development activities.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and a completed residency in internal medicine or family medicine.
- Board certification in Geriatric Medicine is required.
- Proven experience as a Geriatrician.
- Excellent understanding of the physiological, social, and psychological aspects of aging.
- Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a focus on patient care.
- Compassionate and sensitive to the needs of the elderly and their families.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Continuing education assistance
Additional Information
- Job Title: Geriatrician
- Work Environment: Hospital or medical clinic environment. 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: $180,000 minimum to $250,000 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and copies of your licensure and certifications to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Geriatrician Do?
Geriatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment and care of older adults.
They often work in hospitals, nursing homes, or have their own private practices.
They provide comprehensive medical care for people in the later stages of life, often dealing with multiple chronic conditions simultaneously.
This includes diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and disabilities in older adults.
Geriatricians are also responsible for managing and treating cognitive disorders such as dementia or delirium that are common in the elderly.
They often work closely with other healthcare providers such as nurses, social workers, and physical therapists to create a holistic care plan for their patients.
They also offer advice and provide resources to caregivers and family members, helping them understand the unique challenges and changes that occur in old age.
Geriatricians often take a multidimensional approach, addressing not just the physical health of their patients, but also mental, emotional, and social health.
They also help their patients navigate the complex healthcare system, helping them understand their treatment options and making decisions about their long-term care.
In addition to their clinical roles, geriatricians can also be involved in research and teaching, contributing to the development of better practices and policies for geriatric care.
Geriatrician Qualifications and Skills
Geriatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and disability in older adults.
They are skilled in providing comprehensive health care for people who have illnesses due to aging.
Their qualifications and skills include:
- Expertise in diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to aging such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, falls and fractures, incontinence, and frailty.
- Ability to develop comprehensive care plans for patients that address their physical, mental, emotional, and social needs.
- Proficiency in managing multiple and complex health issues simultaneously in elderly patients.
- Excellent communication skills to engage with patients, their families, and other health professionals, and to explain complex medical conditions and treatment plans.
- Compassion and empathy to understand and manage the unique concerns and challenges that older adults face.
- Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, and other specialists to provide holistic care to patients.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions about the most appropriate care for complex medical conditions.
- Understanding and respect for the values and needs of older adults and their families.
Geriatrician Experience Requirements
Geriatricians, who are specialized medical doctors in the field of Geriatrics, are required to have extensive education and training experience.
The educational journey starts with obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, typically in pre-med or another science field.
Following undergraduate studies, aspirants need to complete four years of medical school.
Upon graduation, doctors must undertake a residency program in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine which generally lasts for three years.
This phase provides them with a significant amount of experience in diagnosing and treating a wide array of medical conditions.
After completing a residency, a one to two years fellowship in geriatrics is required.
Here, they gain hands-on experience in managing, treating, and preventing diseases in older adults.
They also gain a greater understanding of the complex relationship between mental, physical, and social health in elderly patients.
Geriatricians with more than 5 years of post-residency experience often have extensive exposure to the challenges of eldercare and are usually adept in dealing with multiple co-existing health conditions, age-related diseases, palliative care, and the practical aspects of long-term care.
Those with more than 10 years of experience in geriatric medicine are usually considered experts in the field and may have accrued some administrative or leadership experience in medical institutions, nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities.
They may be ready for a senior-level or leadership position in Geriatric Medicine.
Geriatrician Education and Training Requirements
Becoming a Geriatrician requires extensive education and training.
The first step involves obtaining an undergraduate degree in a related field such as biology, chemistry, or health sciences.
Following the completion of an undergraduate degree, aspiring Geriatricians must attend medical school, which typically takes an additional four years.
This is where they receive specialized training in treating medical conditions affecting the elderly.
After graduating from medical school, they must complete a residency in internal medicine or family practice, which usually lasts three years.
During this period, they gain hands-on experience treating a wide range of medical conditions.
Then, they need to pursue a fellowship in geriatrics, which typically lasts one to two years.
This fellowship provides specialized training in diagnosing, preventing, and managing diseases and disabilities in older adults.
Finally, geriatricians need to be licensed to practice medicine, and board certification in geriatrics is highly recommended.
This involves passing a series of examinations.
Continuing education is crucial in this field, as it allows Geriatricians to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in geriatric medicine.
It also ensures they are equipped to provide the best care possible for their patients.
Many Geriatricians choose to engage in ongoing research and training throughout their careers.
Geriatrician Salary Expectations
A Geriatrician can expect to earn an average salary of $220,380 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings may vary depending on factors such as their level of experience, the location of their practice, and the type of healthcare facility they work for.
Geriatrician Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Geriatrician need?
Geriatricians need to have strong interpersonal and communication skills as they need to build relationships with their patients and clearly communicate medical information.
They should also have a good understanding of geriatric medicine and the specific health issues that are prevalent in older adults.
Additionally, they should be able to empathize with their patients, have patience, and possess good problem-solving skills to evaluate their patients’ health and suggest appropriate treatments.
Do Geriatricians need a special degree?
Yes, Geriatricians need a medical degree.
After obtaining this, they must complete a residency in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine.
Following this, they should undertake a fellowship program in Geriatric Medicine to gain specialized knowledge and skills in this field.
In addition, they need to obtain a board certification in Geriatric Medicine.
What should you look for in a Geriatrician’s resume?
When reviewing a Geriatrician’s resume, the first thing to look for is their educational background and qualifications.
They should have a medical degree, a completed residency, and a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine.
Additionally, they should have a board certification in Geriatric Medicine.
Experience working with older adults, knowledge of common geriatric conditions and their management, and strong interpersonal skills are also essential.
What qualities make a good Geriatrician?
A good Geriatrician is patient, empathetic, and respectful.
They should be able to connect with older adults, understand their unique needs, and provide them with the best possible care.
They should also have strong problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat the complex health issues that older adults often face.
Keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in geriatric medicine is also an important quality.
Is it difficult to hire Geriatricians?
Yes, it can be challenging to hire Geriatricians due to a shortage of professionals in this field.
The aging population is increasing, which means the demand for Geriatricians is also rising.
However, the supply of Geriatricians is not keeping pace with the demand.
Hence, recruiting them might require offering competitive benefits and providing supportive work environments.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of being a Geriatrician.
Surprise, surprise!
It’s not just about treating diseases.
It’s about weaving the fabric of quality healthcare, one elder patient at a time.
With our comprehensive geriatrician job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.
But why halt your journey here?
Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.
Bear in mind:
Every patient interaction is a vital piece of the larger healthcare puzzle.
Let’s shape this future. Together.
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