"Shortage of Geriatric Specialists in Aging America"
The shortage of geriatricians in the United States is leaving many older patients without specialized care, leading to misdiagnoses and overprescribing of medications. With only 7,300 board-certified geriatricians in the country, experts are calling for increased financial incentives and exposure to the field to attract more doctors. Medicare funding for residencies and fellowships could require basic competency in geriatrics, and student loan forgiveness programs for geriatric specialists are being suggested. The growing number of older patients highlights the urgent need for more doctors who are trained to understand the unique healthcare needs of seniors.