Geriatrics struggles to attract young doctors in Latvia

Geriatrics is expected to become increasingly important as Latvia’s population ages and life expectancy rises, but the medical specialty has attracted no applicants in recent years, LSM reported.

Geriatricians provide comprehensive care for older patients who often have several illnesses, take many medications and experience functional impairments. The field also examines ageing and its effects on the human body.

Latvia currently has 12 doctors specialising in geriatrics. Although state-funded residency places are offered each year, the specialty received no applications over the past three years. Four places are available this year, and applications have been extended until mid-August.

Daina Zepa, head of the Gerontology Clinic at Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital, said geriatricians need broad medical knowledge, including an understanding of how ageing affects the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs.

Resident doctor Zane Mētra chose geriatrics because she values an informal working environment and conversations with patients. She believes young doctors often choose specialties they consider more prestigious.

Geriatrics allows doctors to treat a wide range of illnesses, while communication and mutual understanding with patients are also important, according to Mētra. Students do not currently study geriatrics as a separate subject, and more needs to be done to introduce them to the specialty.