ARE THE 21ST CENTURY DOCTORS GEARED FOR GERIATRIC HEALTH CARE IN THE UAE

Rising geriatric population poses special challenges for 21st century health providers. The present study assessed the knowledge of medical students about health of the older adults and determinants in the development of attitude towards them, and career preference. 58 first and 35 fifth year medical students of Gulf Medical University, Ajman, were surveyed using self administered questionnaires (a) quiz on old people health and (b) relevant sociodemographic information, and career preference. Curriculum content was analyzed from student manual and through personal interviews with faculty and fresh graduates. The present pilot study found significant improvement in medical students knowledge on physical health by fifth year (P 0.005), but not on mental and social health. Parental attitude, childhood experience with older adults and religious education influenced most 75.3%, 55.9% and 60.2% respectively in the development of attitude towards older adults. 40% of the final year students reported an influence of medical education. Only 2% opted for a career among older adults. The geriatric health and aging topics were scattered in the curriculum and not as a comprehensive unit. Neither the faculty nor the graduates perceived that geriatric medicine was included in the curriculum. The study emphasizes the importance of enhancing geriatric training and experience in undergraduate medical program.