A diploma in geriatric medicine equips healthcare professionals with expertise in elderly care. The program focuses on ageing, chronic disease management, and comprehensive geriatric assessment. It covers ethical, psychological, and social aspects of caring for older adults. Graduates are prepared for roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and community health. This qualification enhances careers in gerontology, public health, and clinical practice. The Diploma in Geriatric Medicine has six main sections:
Elderly Care Management and Challenges – Covers strategies, policies, and common challenges in managing elderly care, including patient-centered approaches.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues in Geriatrics – Focuses on identifying, managing, and preventing substance use disorders and mental health challenges in older adults.
Medication Management and Polypharmacy – Addresses safe prescribing, drug interactions, and reducing risks associated with multiple medications in the elderly.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Interventions – Discusses dietary needs, exercise, and healthy habits to promote longevity and quality of life.
Rehabilitation and Independence Promotion – Looks at physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and interventions to maintain independence.
Evaluation – Likely involves assessments, case studies, and practical evaluations to apply learned concepts.
The Diploma in Geriatric Medicine is a postgraduate qualification that recognizes advanced knowledge and skills in the care of older adults. It is typically awarded by the Royal College of Physicians in collaboration with the British Geriatrics Society.
It is intended for doctors, particularly general practitioners, hospital doctors, and clinicians who regularly care for older adults. Applicants usually must hold a recognized medical qualification and have relevant clinical experience.
The DGM aims to improve clinicians’ ability to diagnose, manage, and support older patients, especially those with complex medical, cognitive, and social needs.
The assessment generally includes a written examination (multiple-choice and short-answer questions) and a clinical/practical examination, focusing on geriatric medicine principles and patient management.
Preparation time varies, but many candidates spend 3–6 months studying, depending on prior experience in geriatric care and available study time.
Key areas include aging and frailty, polypharmacy, comprehensive geriatric assessment, neurocognitive disorders, falls and syncope, bone health, palliative care, rehabilitation, and legal/ethical aspects of elderly care.
Common resources include textbooks on geriatric medicine, clinical guidelines, British Geriatrics Society publications, and past examination questions.
Yes, clinical exposure to older patients in both hospital and community settings is highly recommended to understand the practical aspects of geriatric care.
It enhances professional credibility, improves patient care quality, supports career advancement, and demonstrates commitment to the care of older adults.
While the DGM is primarily a UK-based qualification, it is respected internationally, especially in countries that value UK postgraduate medical training.
Associate Professor of English Language & Literature, Makawanpur Campus, Hetauda, Nepal (Affiliated to Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal)
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